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PRINCE ALBRECHT OF BRANDENBURG 


Prince Albrecht 
of Brandenburg 


A STORY OF THE REFORMATION 








TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN 


OF ARMIN STEIN 




By Mary E, Ireland 


REFORMATION SERIES VOL. Ill 


1907 

The German Literary Board 

BURLINGTON, IOWA 


LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two Copies Received 

M.<'h 87 1907 

CLASS ^ XXc,, No. 

/7/^t>7. 

COPY B. 




Copyright 1907, 

By R. Neumann, Burlington, Iowa. 


AUTHOR^S AND TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. 


I T is not thought that readers will be displeased to 
be taken back to the days of the Reformation ; 
for that century is so rich; in that century life 
pulsated so freshly, that in looking back to it, we 
inhale the breath of spring over the field of the wintry 
past. 

One can never be too eager to read and speak of 
Martin Luther ; and at the present time it is needed 
to bring forward reminders of the man whom the 
German people must honor as a prophet, one of whom 
there is always something to learn, and whose spiritual 
greatness we should emulate. 

Again he stands before us a champion upon the 
field ; a solitary antagonist surrounded by giants, of 
whom the most mighty was the Cardinal Albrecht, 
Prince of Brandenburg, Primate of the Roman Cath- 
olic churches of Germany, and Arch Chancellor of the 
German empire ; one whose scepter extended from the 
Rhine and the Main to the Elbe and the Saale ; the 
next in power to the emperor and the pope. 

It has been the endeavor to speak of this man and 
of the great battle between the born prince and the 
peasant’s son, the wielder of power and the champion 
of the Word, with the strictest historical accuracy; 
and it remains for the reader to decide whether this 
aim has been reached. 


3 














CONTENTS. 


Chapter I. Joyous Days 5 

Chapter II. From Honors to Honors 16 

Chapter HI. At the Archbishop’s Palace 25 

Chapter IV. The Archbishop in Need 38 

Chapter V. Upon the Way to Mentz 50 

Chapter VI. Dominicans and Augustiners 58 

Chapter VH. The Cardinal’s Hat 67 

Chapter VI H. In Italy and Germany 79 

Chapter IX. The Imperial Diet at Worms 90 

Chapter X. One More Work of Art 104 

Chapter XL A Letter from Martin Luther 114 

Chapter XII. The Peasants’ War 129 

Chapter XIII. Followers of Luther 140 

Chapter XIV. At Augsburg 153 

Chapter XV. Called upon for a Reckoning 165 

Chapter XVI. Martin Luther’s Letter to the Car- 
dinal 178 

Chapter XVH. Farewell to Halle 191 


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CHAPTER L 

JOYOUS DAYS. 

O N Rogate Sunday in the year 1514, a great 
crowd of people were passing out of the 
Ulrich gate of the city of Halle. 

It seemed as if the city were being depleted, as 
old and young, distinguished and obscure, master and 
servant passed through and kept on the way past the 
Jewish encampment until the concourse almost reached 
Giebichenstein. 

On his fine horse near the gate sat the alderman 
of the city, clad in his official robes, and about him 
were the priests in their vestments, and next to them 
the monks from the many cloisters bearing crosses and 
banners, and beyond them the different organizations 
of the city in their uniforms. 

All waited in eager expectation, for they were 
about to receive the new Archbishop, Albrecht, who 
the Sunday before had been installed in Magdeburg, 
and was now to be welcomed in Halle, his resident 
city. 

Upon all faces was the sunlight of joy; for they 
promised themselves the best of the new Archbishop, 
believing that under his ruling they would have pros- 
perity and happiness. 


7 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


They called to remembrance Ernest — their for- 
mer Archbishop, he of the hard heart and the iron 
sceptre, who from within the walls of Castle Moritz- 
burg — the residence of the Archbishops — drew the 
reins upon the masses, until the last remnant of polit- 
ical self-dependence was wrested from them. 

Nothing but his own advancement was worthy of 
his consideration, and the nobility and the masses were 
united in their bitter hatred of the oppressor. 

Everywhere he was denounced, and after every 
act of oppression the hatred grew more pronounced, 
until the smoldering fire burst into flame and a con- 
spiracy to take his life was formed under the leader- 
ship of Thomas Munzer, a schoolmaster of Halle. 

This scheme was frustrated, but the resentment 
and bitterness against Archbishop Ernest received new 
support ; but God took the matter in hand ; He re - 
moved him by the gateway of death, and the country 
was freed from the tyrant. 

To have services in honor of the dead archbishop 
was obnoxious to the people; and lamentations came 
only from the lips of the priests and choir boys. 

Everybody breathed freer now that the burden 
was taken from their hearts, and their thoughts were 
turned to supplying the vacancy ; all being convinced 
that one more objectionable than the late Archbishop 
Ernest could not be found. 


8 


Joyous Days. 


No one expected disappointment in the choice, 
and when at length it was proclaimed that the Mar- 
grave — Albrecht of Brandenburg, a member of the 
great cathedral chapter was to be the Archbishop of 
Magdeburg, the bells in the churches and chapels 
pealed forth a jubilant Te Deum to the Father in 
heaven that such a wise choice had been made ; for all 
expected that under the government of the young 
prince, grievances would be righted, and justice and 
peace would go hand in hand. 

They knew that the young Margrave was a chiv- 
alrous gentleman, with clear head and cultured mind, 
a lover of Art, and a patron of education ; and in every 
way, appeared to be a mild, kindly disposed and hon- 
orable man. 

It was also very evident that he was especially 
efficient in Church government, when as many as 
three cathedral chapters coveted him ; for after he had 
been chosen for Magdeburg, the bishopric of Hal- 
berstadt selected him as its administrator, and as if 
that were not enough, a deputation from Mentz, or 
Mayence — as it is called by the French — came to 
invite him to fill the electoral vacancy caused by the 
death of the archbishop. 

At this news the archbishopric of Magdeburg was 
moved to jealousy and gloom, feeling that the strength 
was divided and only a third part was left to it. 

9 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


■ It was unprecedented that so many high honors 
should be heaped upon one person ; and there was some 
^comfort to be taken from that circumstance, but more 
from the belief that God who had allowed Prince Al- 
brecht of Brandenburg to accept so much distinguished 
service would give him the needed strength and wis- 
dom to accomplish it. 

It was considered also — with proud pleasure — 
that he, as the archbishop of Magdeburg, v/as invested 
with the highest spiritual and secular honor of anyone 
in Germany, whilst he — as archbishop of Mentz — 
was the Primate of the churches of Germany, and as 
Elector of Mentz, was the Lord High Chancellor of 
the German kingdom. 

It was under these delightful circumstances that 
the people of Halle were awaiting the arrival of the 
new archbishop. 

About the master of the pewter-works — Nicholas 
Langbein — a great number of the watchers had gath- 
ered, for all knew that he had been to the installation 
at Magdeburg, and could gratify their curiosity as to 
the proceedings and was moreover entirely reliable. 
He was not the least reserved in his communications 
but gave them in full; and in a voice that all might 
hear ; 

“I saw the great Archbishop Albrecht face to 
face he said proudly, “he is young, is not more than 
10 


Joyous Days. 


four and twenty ; but he is firm and manly, and has in 
his eyes the look of a ruler, but also the look of a 
gentle, kind father. He is of fine form, and upon his 
splendid black horse he looked like the noble cavaliers 
that the poets sing of. I noted his voice, and it is 
like the man, strong, yet mild and pleasant.” 

“How was he received by the people of Magde- 
burg?” asked a voice in the crowd. 

“How was he received? Why, the whole city was 
full of rejoicings, and the crowd was so great that it 
scarcely left room for the splendid procession to move 
through it to the cathedral. For, as you know, his 
holiness, the pope, had issued a bull that everyone who 
attended high mass at the enthroning of the arch- 
bishop, and would take a place in the procession, would 
have perfect absolution of their sins ; therefore so many 
people from a distance obeyed the call, that shelter 
could not be found for all. 

“From a window above the wall I saw the great 
procession, and it was a wonderful sight. 

“First came a great company of horsemen, their 
bright helmets and breastplates glittering in the sun, 
and as the cortege drew nearer I saw at the head of 
it our new archbishop. At his left rode his brother — 
the Elector Joachim of Brandenburg, and following 
were two hundred more of the nobility, all in scarlet 
robes and with glittering weapons. 

11 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


‘‘A like company went out to meet them, led by 
Prince Earnest of Anhalt, with his standard ; and fol- 
lowed by a hundred horsemen clothed in black velvet 
and silk. Then followed four of the Counts von Mans- 
feld with one hundred and twenty horsemen clothed in 
sea green robes, and with banners, then came Count 
von Barby with sixteen horsemen. 

“Then came the Provost of the cathedral — Adolph 
of Anhalt — and next the cathedral chapters in their 
order, followed by fifty horsemen robed in black ; and 
the procession ended with the alderman of Magdeburg 
followed by one hundred horsemen. . 

“After all had passed through the flower-decked 
arch, and the greetings were over, the procession 
passed through the great assembly to the cathedral, 
headed by the Bishops of Merseburg, Naumburg, 
Brandenburg, Havelburg and Sebus. 

“In the name of the cathedral chapter, the Bishop 
of Merseburg welcomed the new archbishop, and put 
upon him the mantle of the archbishop, and upon his 
head the red baret. 

“So garbed. Prince Albrecht, amid the sound of 
trumpets and kettle-drums, walked through the large 
colonade to the high altar where gleamed the light of 
a thousand wax tapers, and was fragrant with flowers. 

“On the step he knelt in silent prayer while the 
choir sang, ‘We Praise Thee our God then he as- 
12 


Joyous Days. 


cended to the altar as a token that he had assumed the 
power and duties of an archbishop. 

“After these services were over, he was conducted 
to the palace of the archbishops of Magdeburg, and 
homage tendered him as sovereign of the people. 

“This was a beautiful part of the ceremony, for 
amid the splendid surroundings the archbishop as- 
cended the judicial estrade, and said in a firm, clear, 
voice, ‘do you promise to give to me your homage, and 
be faithful, true and kind?’ 

“The whole assembly answered, ‘we do,’ and raised 
the right hand in confirmation of their vow. 

“Then the first counsellor turned to the arch- 
bishop and in the name of the people, said : ‘Master, 
do you promise to be faithful and gracious to us?’ and 
the archbishop responded with a hearty ‘I do,’ and held 
out his hand to the counsellor.’’ 

The master of the pewter-works would have con- 
tinued his narrative had he not been interrupted by the 
enthusiastic cheering of his fellow-citizens of Halle. 

The alderman had bared his head, and at that mo- 
ment all the church bells pealed forth, and the priests 
chanted in unison, the choir boys sang, for there had 
come in sight. Archbishop Albrecht, a stately, hand- 
some and distinguished looking young nobleman. 

Near him rode his brother — the Elector Joachim 
of Brandenburg — and next to him their cousin, the 
13 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


Margrave, John Albrecht, of Anspach ; then came the 
Bishops of Sebus and Brandenburg, each followed by 
a number of horsemen. 

After the alderman had welcomed the archbishop 
to Halle at the gate of the city, he conducted him and 
his retinue to the archbishop’s palace, Moritzburg, 
upon which, from the four round corners, floated 
proudly the Brandenburg and Archbishop Colors, and 
at the main entrance stood noblemen of yhe city to 
welcome him. 

The next day was a festive one for the city of 
Halle, and the people gathered to give homage to the 
new archbishop. 

He came upon a snow-white horse to the city hall, 
followed by his retinue, and there took the oath of 
allegiance. 

The alderman then presented him with a gold 
drinking cup, a legal measure of malmsey wine, three 
casks of Eimbeck beer, and two hundred bushels of 
oats. 

The pipes and trumpets played, and the people 
cheered. The archbishop descended from his horse 
and led it to a salt spring as was the custom of the 
times, and then laid down twenty gold Gulden to the 
Brotherhood of the valley for the redemption of horses. 

During the afternoon, with the May sun shining 
down upon them the people amused themselves with 
14 


Joyous Days. 


wrestling and other games on the shore of the Saale, 
heartily enjoying the holiday, also the refreshments, 
all of which were provided by the new archbishop. 

When evening drew on, they went to the tap- 
houses, where they gossipped over the events of the 
great day. All were full of praise of the prince, who, 
by his gracious and pleasing manner had taken all 
hearts by storm. 



15 


CHAPTER IL 

FROM HONORS TO HONORS. 

W HERE an arm of the Main river empties 
into the Rhine, was seen the old fortress 
which had its origin in the time of the 
Romans, and century after century had added 
strength to the fortress of Mentz. 

It was not without reason that the middle ages 
named the city of Mentz “the golden for not only 
in the money chests of patricians, merchants and 
master artisans, was gold in abundance, but it was 
in works of art, and in the splendid cathedral, with 
its six towers, which looked proudly over the many 
church steeples. 

From the time of St. Boniface, Mentz was the 
seat of an Archbishop ; and this spiritual honor had 
later a worldly splendor from the union of the crosier 
with the electoral hat. 

The Archbishops of Mentz, Trier and Cologne, 
sat in the counsels of the German electors, and put 
their weight in the balance when the German crown 
was to be placed. 

And if that were not enough, Mentz, in the 
course of time, owing to its electoral dignity, ac- 
16 


From Honors to Honors. 


quired a privileged place, in that its archbishop be- 
came Lord High Chancellor of the German kingdom. 

To bring the worldly and spiritual power in like 
proportion, Rome did her part by raising the Arch- 
bishop of Mentz to the distinction of being Primate 
of the German bishops ; and through this he took 
precedence next after the Emperor and the Pope; a 
position which it may well be believed was coveted, 
and over which there was much emulation and con- 
tention, rivalry and solicitation. 

Besides the Margrave Albrecht of Brandenburg, 
who had solicited this distinction, were Duke Ulrich 
of Wurtemburg, Margrave Philip of Baden, Duke 
Ernest of Bavaria, and Bishop William of Strasburg. 

The Emperor’s preference was for Duke Ernest 
of Bavaria, having the highest opinion of his attain- 
ments, and his loyalty. He knew nothing adverse to 
Albrecht of Brandenburg, but it was, he considered, 
very unadvisable to have two brothers at the same 
time in the Electoral College. 

But the personal feeling of his majesty was not 
respected, and the one he deemed the most objection- 
able was selected. 

But was this a wise choice? Had the cathedral 
chapter considered well the matter? Would a prince 
of only four and twenty years fill the responsible posi- 
tion of an Electoral Primate in addition to two other 
17 


2 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


bishoprics? Would the Pope say yea and amen to 
all this? Was it not against all precedent to give 
three bishoprics into one hand, and that the hand of 
a young man who had not reached the canon age, 
and therefore, would it not require a special dispen- 
sation? Thus was the subject discussed pro and con 
in Mentz. 

There was also another care that pressed upon 
the hearts of the people of Mentz ; they feared that 
the elector of Brandenburg, brother of the new arch- 
bishop, would forget his promise to pay for the 
Archbishop’s pallium. 

If he did not, then who must raise the money? 
Naturally the people. But the pallium for two arch- 
bishops had been purchased within a short time of 
each other, and the treasury was exhausted. 

This was the care that pressed upon the hearts 
of the people, a care which grew heavier, as month 
after month passed and the new Archbishop had not 
visited Mentz. 

Impatient murmurings began to circulate, when 
one day, about the latter part of October, a message 
came that the Electoral Archbishop Albrecht, with 
two hundred horsemen, was intending to visit Mentz. 

This information changed like magic all ill-humor 
into enthusiasm; and a thousand hands were raised 
to the authorities to prepare a splendid reception. 

18 


From Honors to Honors. 


As the archbishop was to come by ship on the 
Main river, it was decided that one of the largest 
of the Rhine vessels be decorated with the finest 
flowers that could be had so late in the season, and 
be sent to meet him, carrying a deputation of the 
Cathedral Chapter to welcome him. 

Following it, thirty other vessels, decorated with 
red and white flags, carrying other ecclesiastical digni- 
taries, the lay clergy and vassals of the archbishopric, 
all to welcome the great man. 

On the sixth of November, the first of the re- 
ceiving vessels sighted the vessel of the Electoral 
Archbishop, and immediately the standard of Mentz 
and Brandenburg was run up, and the trumpets 
sounded an enthusiastic greeting. 

As the little fleet sailed down the Main the vil- 
lagers on the route hailed the distinguished guest 
with hearty cheering, and all the bells in the region 
pealed forth in honor of the long expected one who 
had come to his own. 

When the vessels came in sight of the people of 
Mentz there boomed from the halls the thunder of 
cannon, and through the gates streamed a multitude 
of the people. 

By the great cathedral on the shore of the 
Rhine were the monks from the cloisters, the nobility, 
the professors and students of the universities, the 
19 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


fraternities, societies and corporations, with their 
banners, and the school children, with lighted tapers. 

The bells rang jubilantly, cannons thundered, 
trumpets sounded, the people waved their hats in 
joyous welcome; the Electoral Archbishop had 
landed. 

Under the beautiful triumphal arch the proces- 
sion moved to the cathedral, headed by part of the 
mounted bodyguard, clad in scarlet and gold, wear- 
ing glittering helmets with white and red crests. 

The cross came next, followed by the school 
children, with their instructors, then the music choirs 
of the fraternities, bearing their banners, then the 
court officials, with their scarlet gowns bordered with 
silver. 

Then came the ordained clergy, bearing the arch- 
bishop’s insignia, the gold crozier of the archbishop 
and the purple mitre set with pearls. 

Then came the lay clergy, the knights and vas- 
sals; then the pages, bearing the electoral insignia; 
the electoral hat, and the crimson velvet mantle with 
its white ermine border, resting upon a velvet cushion 
embroidered in gold. 

The court marshal came next, bearing the elec- 
toral sword, and then came the star of the whole fes- 
tive procession, the Electoral Archbishop Albrecht, 
robed in a black silk gown, and with white vestment 
20 


From Honors to Honors. 


of Brabantine lace, the neck finished with ermine, and 
upon the breast the archbishop’s cross of brilliants 
upon a broad scarlet ribbon. 

Four noblemen in Spanish costumes of black 
carried above his head a canopy embroidered in gold, 
silver and pearls ; and on each side walked halber- 
diers with their halberds, wearing yellow doublets and 
large hats with white and red feathers. 

At the side of the archbishop was the Provost 
of the cathedral, and next came the Lord Steward 
of the household, and the other notables of Mentz in 
black silk costumes and with short swords. Follow- 
ing them were the students, and at the end of the 
procession was the other half of the archbishop’s 
bodyguard. 

So went the procession through the gayly dec- 
orated streets, all eyes fixed upon the great man, who 
moved majestically, and with the bloom of youth 
upon his face and friendliness in his glance as he be- 
stowed on all sides his blessing. 

When they reached the cathedral he knelt in sil- 
ent prayer before the altar of St. Martin, the pro- 
tecting saint of Mentz, during which the sound of 
sweet voices singing softly was heard throughout the 
great cathedral. 

After a short service in the chapter room, the 
archbishop went through a crowd of horsemen and 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


footman to “Martinsburg,” the residence of the arch- 
bishops of Mentz, and was welcomed by a goodly com- 
pany of the nobility. The address of welcome was 
short, as was the reply; but the whole proceedings 
of the festival were of sufficient interest to be kept 
up to the present time among the reports in the 
chapter room of the cathedral of Mentz. 

At the moment the reception was finished there 
came a young nobleman through the throng of peo- 
ple having in his hand a roll of paper and handed 
it on bended knee to the Archbishop, who gave a 
keen glance at him. 

“Dear Ulrich !” he exclaimed, as he recognized 
him, “I greet you heartily because of our old friend- 
ship; this day is truly full of sunshine and happiness. 
I really wonder why so many blessings have fallen 
to my share. But what have you there?” he asked, 
as he raised the young man to his feet. “Yes, I am 
quite sure that it is a sweet verse in my honor.” 

Ulrich von Hutten pressed the hand of the Arch- 
bishop gratefully, as he said, “Every one has brought 
to you the best he had this day. To me it is enough 
that your Grace will not despise my humble gift.” 

The Archbishop opened the roll and found a 
long and neatly written Latin poem, and a quick 
glance gave him knowledge of its contents, speaking 
as it did of his noble birth, his splendid spiritual and 
2 % 


From Honors to Honors. 


secular attainments, and his broad-minded views 
which would bring blessing and happiness to the 
Church, the electoral dominions and the kingdom of 
Germany. 

“I must see you to-morrow, Ulrich, when I have 
more time to talk of our friends and of the beautiful 
time that we had when we were together at the Uni- 
versity of Frankfort. I wish I could have you with me 
always.” 

‘‘Oh, the graciousness of one so high to one so 
lowl}^ !” ejaculated Ulrich, deeply moved ; “but I can 
remain but a few days in Mentz. I. must go to Italy 
and study diligently.” 

“Yes, Ulrich, I know that it would be impos- 
sible to chain one of your free spirit to the court of 
a prince ; the bird must fly in the free air. So fly 
away thou eaglet, but as often as you can, come to 
Mentz and rejoice with the sunshine of your pres- 
ence your young friends here, who may at some time 
be of use to you.” 

The young nobleman left the castle, and until 
late that night the light of many tapers streamed 
from the windows of the palace and upon the streets, 
the people, in spite of the streaming rain, kept up 
their joyous welcome, so rejoiced were they at hav- 
ing a new Archbishop. As at Magdeburg and Hal- 
berstadt he had won all hearts. 

23 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


When the last taper had been extinguished, and 
the last sound of rejoicing in the street was hushed, 
Archbishop Albrecht sat alone in his sleeping apart- 
ment, thinking over the events of the day. He felt 
almost bewildered over the high honors which had 
been heaped upon him, and wondered if they were 
not more than he would be able to perform. 

“Sword and crosier!” he said to himself; “are 
they not too much for a young man of four and 
twenty ? I have but two hands ; if I take the sword 
in my right hand only the left will remain for the 
crosier; will the left be skillful enough to wield it? 



24 


CHAPTER m. 

AT THE ARCHBISHOP'S PALACE. 

I T was a mild day in March in the year 1515, and 
the falconer belonging to the retinue of em- 
ployes at the palace of Archbishop Albrecht was 
reclining upon a bench in the court yard, enjoying the 
genial beams of the sun. 

“Well, Sebastian, what business are you engaged 
in now?” asked Valentine, the manager of the culin- 
ary department, who being at leisure came out to have 
a chat in the soft spring air. 

The falconer seemed reluctant to talk, but at 
length replied : “My falcon was pointed to a spar- 
row, for there seem to be no more herons for him 
to grasp ; but the churl has grown stubborn, he would 
not let go his hold upon the flesh when I called him.” 

“We can’t blame him,” laughed Valentine, “but 
you are foolish, Sebastian ; who says that there are no 
herons to hunt?” 

“Who says it? Why, I say it. When I call to 
mind that blessed man — the Archbishop Uriel, ah ! 
then we had the good times ! Each day he would call 
Sebastian, and Sebastian would dare to go to his cab- 
inet and sit near him as if an equal ; for the Arch- 
bishop Uriel loved the noble sport of falconry. But 
25 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


this new man — God pity him ! never sees Sebastian, 
and never asks anything about that noble amusement. 

“For months I have lain upon my bear’s skin until 
I have almost grown to it. Oh, these miserable dull 
times ! A man will almost become an idiot from pure 
idleness.” 

“How can you say that it is dull here,” asked Val- 
tine, “I see nothing of it.” 

“No, not you ; in the kitchen all hands have plenty 
to do in preparing the dainty dishes for the Arch- 
bishop’s visitors, of whom there is no end. The Arch- 
bishop must have plenty of money to entertain so 
many.” 

“Put a guard upon your tongue, Sebastian, the 
walls have ears,” advised Valentine anxiously, but sit- 
ting dov/n upon the bench to be closer to the falconer, 
he confined : “I often wonder how it will end. The 
table costs a mint of money. I thought at first that 
it was because Albrecht was a newcomer, and the rush 
would cease after a time ; but instead, it grows greater ; 
no day gives us rest from stranger guests, and what 
is a surprise to me there are more ladies than gentle- 
men invited. Now for next Friday there is another 
great foolery planned, many distinguished ladies are 
invited, and there will be games of chance and many 
wonderful winnings ; Bartholomew, the Archbishop’s 
valet, tells me all. 


26 


At the Archbishop' s Palace. 


“Haven’t you seen lately a little gray man at the 
castle? Well, that is the goldsmith, John Dust, of 
Nuremburg, who will take away a good lot of coin 
with him. The archbishop is like a child when he sees 
glittering things, and Bartholomew says that he bought 
a gold necklace set with rubies and pearls for which 
he gave seven hundred guldens; Holy Mother! and 
what for? to throw away upon a woman.” 

At that moment they heard a commotion in the 
stables, and from one of the stalls came four young 
knights pulling a horse, which they rushed around 
the court yard to tame his mettle. 

“Now see those reckless fops,” commented Val- 
entine, “these young noblemen are really a thorn in 
my side. What does the archbishop want with them 
here? They have learned nothing except to run with 
the horses and hounds. You can have no idea how 
they provoke me. Look at that one with reddish hair ; 
do you see how pale and miserable he looks? Well, 
he sat almost the whole of last night at the wine table, 
eating and drinking, and singing, with the others. 
The truth is, the archbishop has too many people about 
him ; half of them would be more than enough. The 
master of the household has his hands full to keep the 
place in order and to keep things from being carried 
off from the cellar and kitchen. Do you hear that 
voice? It is his; and comes from the servants’ hall; 

27 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


again he has had to give someone of them three blows 
with a stick/' 

“God greet you, gentlemen !” said a voice directly 
behind them, and frightened, they turned quickly to 
see a monk who showed by his smile and manner that 
he had overheard their conversation. 

“Do not be angry," he said, slapping Valentine 
upon the shoulder; “it was against my intention to 
overhear what you said, but it is safe with me ; for I, 
too, have anxiety in regard to our young archbishop ; 
he is not the man I thought him. What you have said 
of him is not the worst that can be said; but he is 
young, and we must excuse his taste for luxury; his 
associates are people who have known nothing else." 

“Yes," ejaculated Valentine, “just think of those 
two great paintings by Diirer and Cranach ; one 
painted for the palace and the other for the cathedral. 
They are splendid, but just think what they cost! 
That picture of St. Martin over the cathedral altar cost 
eight hundred gold guldens and I would not give eight 
for a little piece of canvas with paint on it." 

“Yes, the archbishop knows how to make money 
fly," agreed the monk. 

“And think of the Fuggers in Augsburg," con- 
tinued Valentine, “Bartholomew says that they have 
pressed the archbishop three times for the thirty thou- 
sand guldens the price of his pallium ; and to this day 
28 


At the Archbishops s Palace. 


they have not seen a red copper of it. The Electoral 
Prince Joachim of Brandenburg, promised to pay for 
his brother’s pallium but forgot his promise, and Al- 
brecht had to fall into debt to the Fuggers, but that 
does not seem to press upon him, for he still keeps 
scattering his money. Perhaps he will put another tax 
upon the people as he did at the entrance of his arch- 
bishop’s chair. Yes, he put a tax upon all the bishop- 
rics, the cloisters, priesthood and people, fifteen pfen- 
nig of their income. This made a fine showing, but 
if he tries it the second time it may bring trouble upon 
him. Ah, the pictures !” 

“Leave that to him,” rejoined the monk. Art may 
cost him much ; but it shows a cultivated taste, for art 
is one of the ornaments of life and provides pure pleas- 
ure for those who understand it. I hope he will always 
be friends with Durer and Kranach, but the others, 
the others that he gathers about him ; they are thorns 
in my side. I am really grieved that he has brought 
his former teacher, the knight Eitelwolf von Stein 
from Brandenburg, and made him his chief councillor.” 

“What have you against him?” asked Valentine, 
in real surprise; he is a gentleman, and speaks so 
politely to us that it warms our hearts.” 

“Bah! Now, can you not see the reason? Is he 
not one of whom the Scriptures say : ‘Beware of false 
prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but 
29 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


inwardly they are ravening wolves?’ No, you need 
not shake your head ; it is the truth. And as if this one 
was not enough, with him has come Erasmus, Herman 
von Busch, and Dr. Stromer — the archbishop’s physi- 
cian, also that young nobleman, Ulrich von Hutten. 
What business has he here? I heard when he just 
came that he was to stay but a few days in Mentz and 
then go to Italy.” 

The archbishop holds him fast, he wishes his 
health to improve, Bartholomew says; he certainly 
looks very miserable.” 

“Yes, yes; anyone can see that, how could it be 
otherwise?” said the monk earnestly, “these vagrants 
go about the world as did Cain after the curse was put 
upon him.” 

“But what have you against him?” enquired Val- 
entine, “in my opinion all these Humanists have much 
learning, and our archbishop has great love for learned 
people.” 

“Yes,” complained the monk, “they are so learned 
that they think more of learning and what they call 
Tenaisance’ than of our Holy church and its enlight- 
ened teachers, through whom speaks the Holy Spirit. 
These Humanists drag sacred things in the mire, and 
demean the jewel, Christian faith with their satanical 
jests. Through this renaisance, as they call it, they 
bring back old heathen times and take more pleasure 
30 


At the Archbishop' s Palace. 


in the old heathenish writings than in our Holy Scrip- 
tures.” 

“Oh, father, you are making the Humanists out 
worse than they really are ; they only makp fun of 
things which are an injury to true religion. All the 
world knows that there are many people who are sigh- 
ing for a reformation in the church — head and mem- 
bers. Now, in Strasburg there is a man named Doctor 
Sebastian Brandt, who has sent out a book called 
“The Foolship,” in which he exposes the faults and 
follies of the church. Everybody is running after that 
book.” 

“The man who wrote it is a fool,” commented the 
monk angrily. 

“Oho, father ! your temper is getting up is it ? 
yet I must add that his holiness the pope is also a 
fool ; for in the fight between the famous Reuchlin and 
the Dominicans of Cologne, he was on the side of 
Reuchlin, and the Cologners had to bear the cost of the 
law-suit. I certainly rejoice over that, father. The 
Cologners, and particularly their leader, Jacob von 
Hoogstraten, that head-devil against heretics, felt it a 
punishment to submit; and all the world knows that 
these darklings are as cruel as they are ignorant. 

“And what crime had the honored old Reuchlin 
committed? He had made use of his knowledge 
against cowlers, whose only studies are in the kitchen 
31 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


and cellar. He had with the torch of his intelligence 
lighted up the nest of this owl’ brood, and being dis- 
turbed in their rest, they stretched out their claws to 
fasten upon his life.” 

‘‘Hold !” cried the monk, his face fire-red with 
anger, “hold, you idiot, or you, too, will make acquaint- 
ance with the owl’s claws.” 

He raised his fist to strike, but dropped it in con- 
fusion when Valentine and Sebastian laughed in his 
face ; and, panting with rage the left them. 

During this conversation in the court yard. Arch- 
bishop Albrecht sat in his cabinet conversing upon 
matters of business with the lord steward of the house- 
hold, Baron Eitelwolf von Stein. 

The room was luxurious in all its appointments ; 
the floor covered with a soft Brabantine carpet, and the 
walls draped with crimson velvet, and hung with paint- 
ings by the great masters, one whole wall being taken 
up by representation of “The Siege of Troy.” The 
handsome chairs of polished oak bore the coat of arms 
of the archbishop on a gold ground, and over a table 
with a beautifully embroidered cover hung a massive 
silver chandelier with six branches, each branch sup- 
porting a cup in the shape of an open lily in which was 
a wax candle. 

In one of the window niches was a chess board of 
ebony wood inlaid with mother of pearl, and in an- 
32 


At the Archbishop' s PalaCe. 


other a crystal vase from which great violets sent their 
perfume through the apartment. 

“I have many things of which to question you/’ 
said the archbishop, “and the question which presses 
most upon my heart is that of the new Superior Court. 
I have hoped much of that court in the administration 
of justice, which is now in a confused condition 
through the whole German empire, and much effort 
must be made to bring it right. John de Lune, the 
judge of our new Superior Court, has been in the ser- 
vice for some time, has he so conducted it as to assure 
us that we have made a good choice in selecting him ?” 

“We could not have made a better one,” replied 
Eitelwolf. “The ten assessors are all men of ability, 
but no one of them has his keen knowledge of char- 
acter, and his correct judgment; and his love of jus- 
tice and his incorruptibility is worthy of all praise. 
The only trouble is, that he complains of the burden 
of work ; and says that he can scarcely breathe under 
the pressure of cases. But we see through this the 
need there has been for such a court, and the benefit 
it will be to the people.” 

“May it work blessing upon blessing,” commented 
Albrecht, “and may our example be followed in all 
German lands. And now another question, Eitelwolf, 
how does our new market regulation take with the 
people ; are they satisfied with it ?” 

3 33 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


'‘It pleased them well that we wished to add a 
butcher to our corps of servants, and to have our own 
market. They considered that through this, much dis- 
order and over-reaching would be prevented. The 
butcher at all times could have sufficient supply of 
meat, and attend to the scales and weights and to look 
carefully after your grace’s established meat tax, that 
they may not dare to ask more for a pound of beef 
than six coppers, for veal six coppers, and for mutton 
seven coppers.” 

'Tt delights me to know that the people are satis- 
fied,” said Albrecht, who had listened with increasing 
pleasure to the report; “may God lighten my under- 
standing that I may always do what is pleasing in 
His sight and afvantage to the people.” 

“Now, one more question that I wish to ask is, 
are all the places in and about the palace filled ?” 

“All but three. Yesterday I prepared the papers 
for the Knights, Sebastian von Rotenhan, Bernard von 
Adelsheim, Sebastian von Leutern, Ludwig Heling, 
John Kuchenmeister, and Doctor Herman von Win- 
beck. Through this, our knights will require sixty- 
eight more horses.” 

“Why so many?” asked the archbishop. 

“I have twelve knights to supply with eight horses 
each.” 

“We will hope that they will never need them for 
34 


At the Archbishop's Palace. 


war or for feud. I am a man of peace, and wish all 
under my control to be at peace. And now one more 
question, why is it that I have not seen von Hutten 
for several days?” 

“The poor young knight is sick and very weak,” 
replied Eitelwolf : “if he should be taken from the 
world I would grieve for him as for my own son.” 

“But he need not die. Before going to his studies 
in Italy he must go to Ems, and the warm baths there 
will bring him back to health. Take what he will need 
for the sojourn there, from my treasury.” 

“May God reward you,” said Eitelwolf warmly, 
as he grasped the hand of the archbishop, “and now 1 
must ask pardon of your grace for having almost for- 
gotten a letter which has been brought to me by a 
messenger from Stuttgart. It is from Reuchlin.” 

“From our Reuchlin? cried the archbishop eagerly, 
“tell me about him ; I take keen interest in knowing 
how affairs are progressing with that heroic fighter 
for light and truth ; the man of whom at this time the 
whole German kingdom is speaking, for and against.” 

“The martyr has a new trouble,” replied Eitel- 
wolf, “for the Dominicans of Cologne being enjoined 
by the Bishop of Spire to silence, and to paying the 
costs of the law-suit, appealed to other universities 
for a different decision and met with success ; for four 
of the universities gave decisions in their favor. 

35 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


“Through this they have openly triumphed over 
Reuchlin, and thrust upon him the curse of suspected 
heresy. In his trouble he turned to his holiness the 
pope.” 

“That was right!” commented Albrecht heartily. 
“Leo X is a man of clear intellect, and a friend to the 
light. I can imagine what his answer would be.” 

“Yes, praise be to God, the affair had a favorable 
ending, for it weighed heavily in the balance in favor 
of Reuchlin, that besides five German bishops, thirteen 
abbots, fifty-three imperial cities, and with them the 
emperor, there were also the Elector Frederick of 
Saxony, The Duke Ludwig of Bavaria, The Margrave 
Frederick of Baden, and the Archbishop of Gurtz, 
who gave emphatic testimony of his strictly pious life. 

“It is true that the pope did not say directly that 
the Dominicans should pay the costs of the law-suit, 
for Hoogstraten — the Cologne inquisitor — believed 
it threatened the decrease of the great Dominican 
order, but only suspended the proceedings. Nor was 
Reuchlin satisfied with such a termination, for he 
had expected from his holiness a full acquittal. But 
he had amends and comfort in the hearty appreciation 
and sympathy of his friends and followers.” 

“Among whom we are numbered,” exclaimed the 
archbishop with warm enthusiasm. Write, to-day, 
now, dear Eitelwolf, and tell him that Martinsburg, 


At the Archbishop's Palace. 


our palace here in Mentz, stands open to him as a 
refuge should he ever need one. And another thought 
has come to me. Our von Hutten has written a Latin 
poem to which he has given the title, ‘Reuchlin’s 
Triumph/ he must send it to a publisher that it may 
go abroad in the world.” 

The knight Eitelwolf did not make reply for a 
moment, he was reflecting. “I have read the poem,” 
he said at length, it is full of fiery enthusiasm, as is 
the style of our young friend. But I advise that it be 
not published; as a premature ‘Triumph’ might after 
all end in disappointment for Reuchlin instead of vic- 
tory.” 

“You are right, dear Eitelwolf, “tell von Hutton 
your opinion.” 



37 


CHAPTER IV. 


THE ARCHBISHOP IN NEED. 

O N a warm afternoon in August of the year 
1516, two gentlemen belonging to the court 
of Archbishop Albrecht were walking slow- 
ly and conversing earnestly in one of the long pil- 
lared corridors of the palace. 

One of them was the Archbishop’s physician — 
Doctor Stromer, the other the Burggrave Conrad von 
Echtingen. 

“You are more intimate with his Grace than I, 
perhaps you can tell me what troubles him,” ques- 
tioned the burggrave ; “he returned here from Halle 
in a very low-spirited mood, and he is so harsh with 
me that I dread speaking to him.” 

Dr. Stromer halted to glance about him to see 
that there were no listeners before replying, then said : 
“He has had many things to trouble him lately, among 
them the death of his friend and chief advisor, the 
noble Knight Eitelwolf von Stein. He loved his 
friend, and depended upon his counsel holding his 
wisdom in high esteem. Although months have 
passed since his death, his Grace cannot recover from 
the great loss. 

38 


The Archbishop in Need. 


“A later trouble is that of his recent visit to 
Halle. He had not one happy day while there. It 
was not the joyous reception that awaited him the 
day of his installation ; for the good people of Halle, 
as though only expecting him at the time of his ar- 
rival, allowed some Jews, who, among others, were 
his creditors, to station themselves immediately be- 
fore the palace. 

“For days his Grace made visits to the Govern- 
ment offices to inspect the state of the finances, and 
to his great distress found the treasury empty. Here 
in Mentz, since the beginning of his government, af- 
fairs have not been much better; but in Halle to help 
in some measure he had imposed a tax upon the peo- 
ple. In the Archbishopric of Magdeburg he would 
have been satisfied to adopt the same plan, but in 
this electoral city of Mentz is the Chamber of Dep- 
uties, which lay as a heavy stone in his path. 

“He had really applied to Magdeburg, and 
through his former tutor — Baron Stratburg — had 
specified that his predecessor. Archbishop Ernest, had, 
through the erecting of many buildings, and other 
outlays of money, left a heavy burden of debt, and 
asked help of the states, but the prelates and nobility 
stubbornly refused. 

“This opposition and resistance deeply wounded 
the sensitive spirit of the Archbishop, and after fin- 
. 39 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


ishing the business of the archbishopric he turned his 
back upon the city of Halle and returned to Mentz. 

^^But even here his home-coming was filled with 
anxiety, for Baron Eberhard, the administrator of 
finances, who had attended to the affairs of the arch- 
bishopric during Albrecht’s absence, appeared before 
the Cathedral Chapter and complained of the miser- 
able condition of the treasury. None of the states 
credited had received anything from the customs and 
rents, and the debt was growing day by day ; and if 
the High Cathedral Chapter did not come to their 
assistance at the right time the electorate and arch- 
bishopric were in great danger.” 

“I will say in confidence to you,” replied the 
Burggrave, that it has been a great anxiety to me 
that he has assumed the archbishopric under such 
adverse circumstances, and then, by the splendor of so 
much court state, and for art and other extravagant 
fancies, has spent such great sums. Where will it 
all lead? Frugality should be his great object at this 
time.” 

'‘You are right,” agreed Dr. Stromer, "I, too, 
have been exceedingly anxious in regard to his lavish 
expenditures ever since he became Archbishop. It is 
only lately that he has begun to realize it, and he is 
terrified. But, silence, he is coming.” 

Both gentlemen drew back until the Archbishop 
40 


The Archbishop in Need. 


passed the spot where they had been conversing. He 
was accompanied by one of the canons, and a Domini- 
can prior, and walked slowly through the corridor 
until they reached his cabinet; he opened the door 
and they all stepped in. 

“How much did you say the sum was he asked, 
when they had taken seats. 

“Reckoned with the thirty thousand gulden ov/- 
ing to the Augsburg banking house of the Fuggers, 
the sum is eighty-six thousand gulden,” replied the 
canon with an embarrassed air. 

“Oh, the Fuggers; I wish above all else that that 
indebtedness were paid; they are always asking for 
it and always greater grows the sum. Advise me, 
my friends, the waves are closing over my head,” and 
a look of keen anxiety was in his eyes. 

“The best advice that we are able to give your 
Electoral Grace we will give,” replied the canon. A 
new tax cannot be put upon the people, for the one 
put in force two years ago is still in operation. If a 
new fountain is not opened, then ,” 

He halted and a painful silence ensued. 

“If we may advise your Grace,” said the prior, 
who until that moment had remained silent, we can 
suggest a way out of the trouble, but we do not know 
that your Grace will approve of it.” 

41 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


“Tell me, and quickly, exclaimed Albrecht, im- 
patiently. 

“Your Electoral Grace may be aware that his 
holiness, Leo X., has, in aid of the building of St. 
Peter’s Church in Rome, and for other pious works, 
instituted a general sale of indulgences. If now your 
Grace would rent a section of territory from the Holy 
Father, and sell indulgences your money troubles 
would be at an end.” 

Prince Albrecht gazed with a look of mingled 
surprise and gloom at the prior, as if reflecting. 

“I understand you,” he said at length, “but the 
thought is present with me not to share in a work that 
serves only the Pope and not the Lord our God. For 
many misdemeanors have been allowed by the sellers 
of indulgences, which has caused not only the princes, 
who informed their subjects of the Pope’s command, 
to be displeased, but even the people were doubtful 
whether the work as conducted was of God. For 
myself I am conscientiously opposed to it; shall I 
then ask the Pope’s help in a cause that while it 
brings in money will bring disgrace with it?” 

“Your princely Grace will, I hope, not be angry 
if I disagree with your opinion,” said the prior, “the 
most sacred thing can, by man’s inconsiderateness, 
be misused, yet it in itself loses none of its sacred- 
ness. It should not be condemned because some bold 
42 


The Archbishop in Need. 


and reckless monk, in order to quickly fill his box, 
assures the people that the groschens they let fall into 
it absolves them from their present sins and is the 
key to heaven, absolving them from everlasting pun- 
i&liment.” 

“I agree entirely with what the prior has said,” 
remarked the canon, “and advise your Grace to grasp 
this means of deliverance, and thus keep the ship 
from going down.” 

Archbishop Albrecht remained' in silence for some 
time, a look of sadness and bitter reflection upon his 
fine face ; a battle was being fought in his soul. With 
his clear intellect he looked upon the sale of indul- 
gences as a dishonor to the Church, and the misde- 
meanor allowed the sellers of them a disgrace. He 
knew what his circle of friends among the Human- 
ists thought of the traffic ; what could they say when 
they heard that Archbishop Albrecht had blackened 
his hands in the smut of this same traffic? Would 
he not be filled with shame when they looked upon 
him as an apostate, and refused him their friendship? 

And yet, was not his pressing need for money 
a greater trouble than any other? Must he not lay 
aside discretion when confronted by this unfortunate 
spectre ? 

His distress of mind grew unbearable, and the 
43 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


presence of the canon and the prior equally so. “Leave 
me!” he said, harshly; “I wish to be alone.” 

Both men arose immediately to leave the cabinet, 
and had reached the door when the Archbishop re- 
called the prior. 

“Come to this room after the evening meal, and 
hear my decision,” he said briefly, and then he was 
alone, but his anguish of mind was not lessened. Oh, 
if he had one friend who could loose the bands that 
bound him ! 

He felt that he could not remain indoors, and 
summoning his valet he ordered his horse, rode 
through the city gate and away, away -to the cool, 
quiet forest. 

Reapers were singing in the fields and birds twit- 
tering in the branches as he dashed along, but his 
mind was in a tumult, he could not listen. 

Deep into the heart of the forest he paused to 
collect his thoughts. Long and earnestly he weighed 
the matter, but could come to no decision. He was 
aroused from his sad reflections by the sound of 
thunder. A storm was coming, and he was far from 
the palace and knew not his way out of the forest. 

He remembered having passed a forester’s cabin, 
and remounting his horse he sped to it, and the for- 
ester acted as guide until he was again on the road 
that led to the city. 

44 


The Archbishop in Need. 


Vesper bells in church and chapel towers of 
Mentz were ringing, and the storm was now near at 
hand, as he rode into the court yard of the palace, 
and went directly to his cabinet, although he was half 
an hour late for the evening meal, and the cook was 
fuming in the kitchen over the roast, which had re- 
mained too long over the fire. 

The ride through the forest had not helped him, 
for he walked restlessly to and fro in the cabinet until 
summoned to the table. 

He had scarcely finished the meal and returned 
to his apartment when he heard the entrance bell, and 
stepping to his window glanced out to see who had 
come through the storm to the palace. 

“God help me!” he said to himself, “it is the 
livery of the Margrave of Baden, and a presentment 
of the object of his visit lay heavy upon his heart. 

The messenger was shown in and presented a 
letter in which the Margrave wished the return of 
the money he had loaned the Archbishop. 

All hesitation in the affair of the indulgences left 
the harassed man, the messenger departed and Al- 
brecht summoned the prior. 

“I am compelled to follow your advice,” he said, 
“I am so hard pressed.” 

The prior bowed low to conceal his inward sat- 
isfaction, and his reply was worded with the intention 
45 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg, 


of allaying any remaining pangs of conscience in the 
unhappy Archbishop. 

“Do not have any scruples in regard to it/' he 
said, “your conscience is not in your breast, but in 
Rome. You did not institute the sale of indulgences; 
it was the Pope, the head of the Church, and you will 
not have to answer for the misdemeanors of the in- 
dulgence sellers.” 

The Archbishop looked into the dark, firm face 
of the prior and said quietly, “I thank you ! To-mor- 
row early I will send a messenger to the Pope at 
Rome, asking for the renting of a section of indul- 
gence territory. I have no fear that it will be a vain 
request, for His Holiness is well disposed toward the 
Prince Primate of Germany. What concerns me now 
is to find the right man for the work. I look to your 
order for the man, and as you have knowledge of 
most of the cowlers I will ask you to select one. He 
must be one who can talk to people, and it is more to 
our purpose to have one with ready tongue than a 
learned head.” 

“I know several who would suit your Grace,” 
said the prior, “and if the Pope assigns you a large 
section you will need more than one. First, there is 
Jacob Lorcher of Mentz, then George Behaim of 
Nuremburg, and John Neubar of Wurtemburg. All 
three are capable men. A fourth man your Grace 
46 


The Archbishop in Need. 


should also have as leader, and if it were not impos- 
sible to obtain the one I have in mind money would 
rain down in Mentz/’ 

“Who is that man?’ asked Albrecht. 

“One of our Dominican order, Brother Tetzel.” 

“Ha, Tetzel ! I remember him ; you are right ; 
he is the man for the place. I remember his work 
in Gorlitz in 1506, when I was in the university at 
Frankfort. After he had been about six weeks in 
the city and neighborhood, and was about to take his 
staff and depart, the alderman of the city told him that 
the old shingle roof was to be taken from St. Peter’s 
and be replaced by one of copper, and asked him to 
remain and help. He remained willingly, and in three 
weeks had gleaned forty-five thousand rix dollars. 
Can we not have this man? Where is he now?” 

In a place he would gladly leave; he is in Leip- 
sic behind bolts and bars.” 

“What! has he been guilty of some crime?” 

“It appeared to be painful to the prior to reply, 
but the question must be answered, and in a low tone 
he said : “About two years ago Brother Tetzel was 
in Innspruck ; he did a great wrong and his life hung 
upon a thread. He was already in a sack on the 
bridge over the Inn river and was about to be drowned, 
when at the last moment a pardon came from the 
Emperor Maximilian.” 


47 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg, 


“Had he transgressed number six?'' asked the 
Archbishop. 

“In this point the otherwise strong man is weak," 
responded the prior. 

“But who interceded for him with the Em- 
peror ?" 

“The Elector Frederick of Saxony; Tetzel being 
one of his subjects, and his sentence was commuted 
to life imprisonment. So now sits the man who would 
be such a helper in our Holy Church in a dungeon 
of the Dominican cloister in Leipsic, dead to the 
world." 

“We must bring him to life," commented the 
Archbishop eagerly. “I am in high favor with the 
Kaiser, who wrote to me a few days ago that he is 
intending to take a journey, and asked me to manage 
the affairs of the kingdom during his absence. 
Through this authority I can bring this dead man 
back to life and thus help our cause." 

The prior’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction; the 
work was now in full train, and shortly after he arose 
and left the cabinet. 

The next morning a messenger bearing the es- 
cutcheon of the Archbishop Albrecht, followed by two 
servants, left the palace prepared for a long ride. He 
bore a letter from the Electoral Archbishop Albrecht 
48 


The Archbishop in Need. 


of Mentz to the Pope at Rome, asking for the priv- 
ilege of renting a section of the indulgence territory. 

Four weeks later there went out the gate of the 
city of Leipsic a solitary pilgrim taking the same di- 
rection. 

This pilgrim was Brother Tetzel, whose prison 
doors had been opened through a word from the 
powerful Archbishop Albrecht. He was on his way 
to Rome to receive forgiveness for his sin at the feet 
of the Pope. 

He had not the appearance of one who had suf- 
fered imprisonment. His face was round and plump, 
his eyes bright and lively. He knew well the service 
he was about to render His Holiness would fully 
atone for all his offence. 

His hopes did not deceive him; on the contrary 
the humble penitent and pilgrim returned to Germany 
having not only the Holy Father’s absolution, but 
having had bestowed upon him the dignity of an 
apostolic inquisitor. 



49 


CHAPTER V. 

UPON THE WAY TO MENTZ. 

I N a small room in a public house in the city of 
Spire sat, one sultry day in July, 1517, a man 
who took from a portmanteau one book after 
another and put them on the table beside him until 
he found the one he sought. 

He was about fifty years of age, small in stature, 
with thin, pale face and sunken eyes, which gleamed 
with intelligence. 

His outward appearance was not impressive, yet 
in response to his touch of the bell the innkeeper 
waited with bared head at his open door to receive 
his commands, for his guest was one of the great 
men of his time, the renowned author and teacher — 
Desiderius Erasmus. 

Ulrich von Hutten had said that Erasmus and 
Reuchlin were the two eyes of Germany; two morn- 
ing stars which announced a new day. They were 
not the sun, but heralds of the sun which was about 
to rise. They were among the men who had instig- 
ated the battle against darkness and superstition, 
against priestcraft and spiritual bondage. 

Out of the mouldy, swampy grave of the depart- 
ed middle ages they were bringing the world to a 
50 


upon the Way to Mentz. 


freer, purer air. Through their knowledge of the 
ancient language, Reuchlin, the master of the He- 
brew, and Erasmus, master of the Greek, they were 
clearing out the choked up fountains of classical cul- 
ture. Erasmus had come from Basle, where had just 
been published his first printed edition of his transla- 
tion of the New Testament, and Avas on his way to 
Brussels, where he had been appointed to an honor- 
able position at court. 

He was awakened from his absorption in his book 
by a tap upon the door, and upon his call to enter, a 
young knight stepped in and seizing the outstretched 
hand of Erasmus he exclaimed with beaming eyes, 
‘T am rejoiced to see you, my honored teacher.” 

“You cannot be more rejoiced than I am to sec 
you, my dear von Hutten,” replied Erasmus; “come 
to my heart my brave boy and let me touch the head 
which has been crowned with the laurel wreath by our 
Kaiser. We are proud of you, dear Ulrich, you are 
an honor to us; for, as Poet Laureate of Germany, 
you will be remembered by future generations. I 
must also thank you for a great good you have done 
me, something that my skillful physician could not 
accomplish. Let us be seated and I will tell you.” 

“I cannot see in what way I have helped the part 
of physician,” laughed von Hutten, as he took the 
proffered chair opposite to that of Erasmus. 

51 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


“You will when I tell you that I had a dangerous 
carbuncle on my cheek which my physician could not 
master. One day I took your “Letters of the Ob- 
scurists,” that incomparable masterpiece, in which the 
dusty cowlers have received a sounder cudgeling than 
has been given them by the united pens of all the other 
Humanists. All Europe was screaming with laughter 
over the book, and I too must laugh, which I did so 
immoderately that the carbuncle broke and soon 
healed. So I have to thank you as my physician.’' 

“But what made you think I wrote the book?” 
asked von Hutten, laughing heartily, “I cannot say 
that I did.” 

“Don’t deny it in the face of your teacher,” said 
Erasmus. “I recognized your style as well as your 
thoughts in these fictitious letters of these night owls 
to each other, in which they in assumed simplicity 
uncover that morass of ignorance and immorality to 
the eyes of the world.” 

“But I must tell you the truth,” said von Hutten, 
with sparkling eyes. “I originated the book and my 
hand was in it here and there, but I had helpers in 
Crotus Rubinnus, Hesse and several others.” 

“Let it be as it will,” answered Erasmus, “my 
heart bounds at this lashing of the night owls, and 
now, dear Ulrich, tell me of yourself, for I have heard 
52 


upon the Way to Ments. 


but little of you since you went to the university at 
Bologna. And first tell me of the laurel wreath.” 

“About a year ago I went to Italy, intending to 
study law. When the hot season came on I took my 
knapsack, and in company of the Knight George von 
Streitberg set out for a tramp across the Alps. My 
mind was also set upon Augsburg as the first stopping 
place, and there, through our friend, Conrad Peutin- 
ger, a surprise awaited me, an honor which I had 
never even imagined. 

“In his home sat his lovely young daughter, Con- 
stance Peutinger, twining a crown of fresh green 
laurel, and I looked with admiration upon the skill 
with which her white, delicate fingers made the pretty 
chaplet. 

The following day we were received by the 
Kaiser Maximilian, and found a brilliant gathering 
of the nobility in the presence chamber, and at the 
command of the Kaiser, Constance put the laurel 
wreath upon my head. I was so bewildered that I 
could scarcely understand the words of the King. 
Only the last part of his speech remains in memory, 
which I will repeat to you ‘For the reason, Ulrich 
von Hutten, that you, through the exercise of your 
gift, have added value to our literaturre, we, as a 
token of our appreciation, after the usual custom and 
with the absolute power of the Emperor, bestow upon 
53 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


you the laurel wreath and the golden ring, crowning 
you poet and orator with right to teach all schools, 
especially universities; conferring upon you all hon- 
ors, privileges, favors and freedom which have here- 
tofore been given the Emperor — crowned poet and 
orator. And as a special token of our favor we take 
you and your possessions into our, and our kingdom’s 
protection, conferring upon you that prerogative which 
no one except the Emperor can confer. This rule 
must be observed throughout the kingdom under the 
penalty of fifteen gold marks for the transgressor.’ ” 

'‘You lucky boy! cried Erasmus in sincere de- 
light, as he clasped von Hutten’s hand, “what do you 
think of doing now?” 

The young man hesitated a moment and then 
replied: “My friend Peutinger advises, even presses, 
me to remain in the Kaiser’s court, and sun myself in 
kaiserly favor, but I have not as yet decided.” 

“Why not; the poet is numbered among princes, 
for both stand upon the heights among men.” 

“You are kind, my honored teacher; I was in- 
tending to attach myself to a court, but not to that 
of the Emperor, but to that of another to whom be- 
longs my gratitude.” 

“Ah, I know; you are thinking of Mentz and 
Archbishop Albrecht, who has always been a good 
friend to you. I also on my way to Brussels think 
54 


upon the Way to Mentz. 


of stopping at Mentz to see him; we can travel to- 
gether.” 

“Nothing would please me better, but I have 
heard something from people in Mentz which has 
unsettled my plans. I could scarcely believe my ears 
when I was told that Archbishop Albrecht was a 
helper of the Pope, had degraded himself to the con- 
temptable business of selling indulgences, and dared 
to take this miscreant, John Tetzel, out of prison and 
sent him to carry that devil’s box through the world. 
It has cast a dark shadow upon my love for him. 
Albrecht, that noble, generous hearted man, with 
clear, bright intellect, the friend of culture and art; 
how could he smut his hands with that miserable 
priestcraft work?” 

“Halt, my boy !” exclaimed Erasmus, “your hasty 
blood leads to unconsidered speech. Albrecht is, as 
before, our own, and you have no reason to blame him. 
If you had seen him laughing when he read your 
‘Letters to the Night Owls !’ He said the one who 
wrote it should be cased in gold.” 

“But explain to me why he allowed himself to 
engage in this traffic.” , 

Erasmus lifted his baret and wiped the moisture 
from his brow, as he said, “I will tell you in a few 
words why he took up the work. He was over- 
whelmed with debt, and seized the only way left him 
55 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


to pay it. He had a terrible battle with his conscience, 
but at length threw the blame of the traffic upon the 
originators of it, and rented a section of the indulgence 
territory from the Pope. What would have been the 
result had he not undertaken it? Why, the Arch- 
bishops of Cologne and Trier would have grasped it, 
and our poor Albrecht left to be swamped by his debts. 
The business even at this early date has made good 
returns. Tetzel understands his business and has al- 
ready sent Albrecht enough to pay the banking house 
of the Fuggers the amount of their loan.” 

”Am I so young, so devoid of understanding that 
I cannot comprehend this?” said von Hutten, sinking 
his head in his hands. 

“Yes, replied Erasmus, putting his hand upon 
the shoulder of his friend, “so young that your blood 
yet flows stormily through your veins. All things 
must have their time. Great undertakings advance 
slowly. Albrecht was right when he said that the en- 
lightenment could not be brought on with one magic 
stroke. The great mountain of superstition and big-- 
otry must be undermined, and there are as yet not 
enough men in the project to accomplish it. The 
battle for light and freedom must be advanced by 
those who have won and become accustomed to the 
new order of things before they can help the masses. 
Archbishop Albrecht is, as of old, and stands by our 
66 


upon the Way to Mentz. 


side. You can rely entirely upon him, and he will 
receive you with open arms ; go to him, help and 
comfort him, for he is worthy.” 

“I will,” responded von Hutten, “for your words 
have allayed my doubts, and I am glad that he has 
not abandoned our ranks. But much as I would like 
to journey with you to Mentz, I cannot go at this 
time, but must first go to visit my parents at Steckel- 
burg Castle; and I have a piece of work to finish 
while there.” 

“Will you not tell me what work?” 

“Excuse me from explaining now; I will tell 
you in the near future,” and von Hutten arose, bade 
a cordial farewell to Erasmus and left the room and 
the house. 



57 


CHAPTER VL 

DOMINICANS AND AUGUSTINERS. 


I AM bringing your Grace bad news which comes 
from Saxony, as bad as the weather outside," 
said his old acquaintance the prior, as he was 
shown into the breakfast room of the palace where 
Archbishop Albrecht was taking his morning meal. 

“Bad news? What has happened,'’ asked Al- 
brecht, setting down his cup to listen. 

“Our Tetzel has gotten into trouble.” 

“In what way; is he sick or disabled? If so it 
will indeed be ill news, for through his help I have 
satisfied the Fuggers, and the Margrave of Baden, 
and hope to hear of coin jingling in the boxes until 
all my burdens are lifted. Now tell me the trouble.” 

“When Tetzel in his travels reached Wittenberg 
he found there an Augustine priest who refused in 
the confessional, to give absolution to the penitents 
who had received indulgence letters from Tetzel, and 
he fell upon Tetzel with bitter censure. And as if 
that were not enough, he put upon the church door 
ninety-five propositions which he hopes will put an 
end to the sale of indulgences. The report of it has 
flown over the world; everybody is talking of it. A 
traveling merchant from Nuremburg with whom I 
58 


Dominicans and Augustiners. 


had conversation, said he would like to know if the 
man in Mentz knew of it, for every place he has been, 
he has seen groups of people in fiery discourse over 
the theses of the Wittenberg monk.” 

“Is that the terrible news you have brought me?” 
asked the archbishop leaning comfortably back in his 
chair while a serene smile played over his handsome 
face, “is a quarrel between two monks such an unu- 
sual thing that I must of necessity be frightened?” 

“But your Highness should not take this matter 
so lightly,” counseled the prior, “when the report of 
these propositions have in such a short time spread 
through the kingdom and everybody is talking, and 
more than that believing, you may know that it is no 
ordinary monk’s quarrel.” 

“Nothing but chaff which like dust, can for a 
while be whirled about by the wind, but at length falls 
to the ground,” commented the archbishop carelessly. 
“This is not the first time that a monk has thought 
that he can set the earth to trembling.” 

“But this Augustinian — Martin Luther — is a 
power,” insisted the prior, “he is learned, and has the 
gift of tongue which convinces his listeners.” 

“Tetzel is a match for him in both respects,” 
laughed Albrecht; “yet if some one comes on the 
scene that can out-talk him I shall not be sorry, for 
he vexes me with his bold affrontery and quackery, 
59 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


exposing my name and thus disgracing the archbish- 
opric. He goes to fairs, and with a decoy whistle 
gathers about him sellers from the booths, the rope- 
dancers, the watchers of cattle pens, the people from 
the nine-pin alleys, games of chance, and others of 
that stamp, and sells them letters of indulgence. 

“But the worst feature of the case is that he tells 
them shameless lies ; for instance, he says that he does 
not baptize like St. Peter, but by the selling of his in- 
dulgence letters, he brings more souls into heaven 
than did that greatest of the apostles. And further, 
he tells them that our Savior gave to the pope all 
powers, and if they have an indulgence letter, noth- 
ing more is required of them during their lives. He 
has also dared to say that these indulgence letters of 
the pope are, at Easter, red with the Savior’s blood. 

“These things have greatly vexed and distressed 
me. Also it came to my knowledge that part of what 
Tetzel and his helpers gather through the day they 
use in the evenings playing games of chance. Because 
of this I commanded him to take the money box to 
the manager of the Fugger banking house, and de- 
liver to him the key. But even here, the knave Tetzel, 
overreached us, for in the settlement with the Fug- 
gers he brought in a bill of eighty guldens a month 
for his services, and ten guldens a month for the ser- 
vices of his servant, also money for the board of him- 
60 


Dominicans and Aiigustiners. 


self and his helpers and feed for their horses. All 
this besides what he had stolen and squandered in 
different ways. For some time I have been intending 
to reprimand him but have put it off, and I am glad 
that some one has taken him in hand ; Tetzel will per- 
haps learn something.” 

“I fear it is too late,” began the prior, but at that 
moment there came a tap upon the door, and the valet 
entered to say than an Augustine monk was without, 
who was the bearer of a letter to his Electoral Grace, 
Archbishop Albrecht. 

“An Augustinian ?” exclaimed Albrecht quickly, 
“where is he from ?” 

“From Wittenberg, your Grace.” 

The two men glanced significantly at each other, 
and the archbishop directed that he be shown in, and 
signed to the prior that he could remain. 

A young, fresh looking monk in cowl and with 
bare feet was ushered in, and with head bowed humbly, 
and hands crossed upon his breast said : “Praise be 
to our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

“Forever! Amen!” answered Albrecht, “from 
whom do you bring a message?” 

“From Brother Martinus, the Doctor of the holy 
Scriptures, and professor in the university of Witten- 
berg, I bear a letter to your Electoral Grace,” saying 
which he took a package of paper from his bosom and 
61 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


gave it to the archbishop; then at a sign from him, 
left the apartment. 

It contained a letter from Martin Luther, in which 
was enclosed a copy of the ninety-five propositions. 

Albrecht laid it upon the table before him while he 
read the letter aloud to the prior: 

'‘To the Right Reverend Father in God, and Electoral 

Archbishop Albrecht: 

“Your Electoral Grace will pardon me that I pre- 
sume to write a letter to you. The Lord Jesus is my 
witness that I am conscious of my insignificance, and 
that I have hesitated long before writing this epistle, 
in which I crave your forbearance for what I am about 
to say. 

“There is going on in the land the selling of papal 
indulgences, under the name and by the authority of 
your Electoral Grace, for the building of St. Peter’s 
church in Rome. 

“It grieves me inexpressibly that through the false 
statements of the indulgence preachers the poor, ignor- 
ant people are deceived. They are told that if they 
will drop their money in the indulgence box their sins 
are from that moment forgiven, and nothing whatever 
of repentance is required of them by the indulgence 
preachers. They are also told that if they drop money 
in for the souls of their deceased friends, these souls 
62 


Dominicans and Augustiners. 


are immediately released from purgatory. Again, they 
tell the poor creatures that these letters are so power- 
ful that they cancel all sin however great, and the 
sinner is exempt from all guilt and punishment. In 
this way they are deceived, and are led to death in- 
stead of life, which calls from your Grace a more 
anxious care of the souls of those in your diocese. 

"‘I know that no bishop’s care or work can assure 
men of blessedness ; for as the Apostle tells us, we 
must work out our own salvation with fear and tremb- 
ling. But against this great evil of selling indulgences 
I cannot longer remain silent, for through the false 
promises, the people grow secure and careless; and it 
is no help to their souls as were, in former days, the 
statutes of the church. The works of piety and love 
are inexpressibly more benefit than indulgence letters, 
and should be instilled in the hearts of the people. 
Christ did not command indulgence letters, but the 
gospel. A bishop must expect trouble and anxiety 
who with great pomp and pageantry sends these let- 
ters about the kingdom, and is more concerned about 
them than about the Scriptures. Will not the Savior 
say to him, ‘Woe unto you who strain at a gnat and 
swallow a camel?’ 

“I can do no other, your Highness, than to pray 
you to have a fatherly care over this work, and do 
63 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


away with these indulgence letters which refute the 
doctrines of the church. 

“This, my weak but faithful service is given from 
the heart to your Electoral Grace; I being a sheep of 
your fold. 

“May the Lord Jesus watch over you, and pro- 
tect you forever! Amen!’' 

The archbishop let the letter fall from his hand, 
and sat for some time in deep thought. 

“Brother Martin is entirely right, and has the 
courage to say what he thinks,” he remarked to the 
prior. “I do not believe it is the cause in itself that 
he condemns, but the manner in which it is conducted.” 

‘Will you reply to the letter?” asked his com- 
panion. 

“Not I,” laughed Albrecht ; “I will let the cowlers 
settle it between them. They will lampoon each other 
for awhile, and through it. Brother Tetzel may per- 
haps learn to be more circumspect ; and the work v.dll 
proceed better.” 

“But the theses; your Grace has not read them.” 

“Five and ninety propositions are too much for 
me at this time, especially as the letter contains the 
substance of them. The rain has ceased, and the sun 
is shining brightly ; I will go out for a walk, and you 
can dismiss the messenger.” 

64 


Dominicans and Augustiners, 


But Archbishop Albrecht was mistaken in sup- 
posing that it was merely a monk’s quarrel ; it in- 
creased and spread until the whole kingdom was di- 
vided into two great armies. 

The theses of the Wittenberg monk was like a 
blazing torch thrown among tinder, and the flames 
fed upon constantly supplied fuel. 

Through these propositions voice had been given 
to the thoughts of thousands upon thousands of in- 
telligent, reflecting persons, and to the majority, they 
made clear that which they had before only partly un- 
derstood. 

Tetzel took a weak and futile revenge upon Lu- 
ther by making a funeral pyre of the theses, and later 
prepared an opposing thesis, which, without Luther’s 
sanction or knowledge, met the same fate. 

The Romish owl began to croak, and the pope’s 
minister — Sylvester Prierias, Jacob von Hoogstaten 
— the Cologne inquisitor and Doctor Eck of the Uni- 
versity of Ingolstadt, raised a great outcry against the 
Wittenberg heretic, but it only served to incite Luther 
to give further expression to his views, and to give 
out further knowledge of the truth. 

The changes which had come pressed heavily 
upon Archbishop Albrecht. His heart spoke for Lu- 
ther ; and there were times when he longed to see and 
converse with him; moreover, the power of Rome in 
5 65 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


Germany was an inconvenience to him ; he longed to 
be free from it. On the other hand, he was filled with 
anxiety and gloom that Luther had put an end to the 
sale of indulgences, thereby preventing the replenish- 
ing of his empty cofifers. Yet, with all his liabilities 
pressing upon him, he could not resist the temptation 
to add to them by purchasing jewels and works of art. 



66 


V 


CHAPTER Vn. 

THE CARDINAL’S HAT. 


T an unusual hour one night, bright lights 



glowed through the arched windows of the 


^ ^ chapter-room of the cathedral in Mentz be- 

tokening a meeting of the members of the chapter 
upon important business. 

“The reverend gentlemen of the chapter,” began 
the provost of the cathedral, “will pardon me that I 
have called them together at this late hour, but the 
subject is important and requires haste; the message 
being late in reaching Mentz. 

“A Franciscan Friar has brought from Augsburg, 
where our Electoral Archbishop now is, a message 
saying that the holy father in Rome has selected him 
to wear a cardinal’s hat.” 

There was a stir of surprise among the members, 
and the provost continued: “It is my opinion that 
this honor is not to our advantage for it has dissimu- 
lation back of it. It will be a burden to us, as, through 
it, Rome will take from us what freedom and inde- 
pendence is in our hands. Each cathedral chapter 
must strive against it, for when a German instead of 
an Italian is made cardinal, the red hat is only an 
expedient for Rome to meddle with our affairs and 


67 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


make the German church its servant. If any are of 
different opinion let them speak.” 

There was no response. 

‘Tf any agree with me, let it be signified by an 
‘Amen’.” 

“Amen !” came from each member. 

“There is yet time to act” ; continued the provost, 
“but as speedily as possible we must send a quick 
messenger to the Archbishop Albrecht at Augsburg, 
with the request of the Cathedral-chapter of Mentz, 
that he will not accept the honor. If the members 
agree to this, please signify it in the usual manner. 

“Amen !” was the hearty response, and the secre- 
tary of the chapter wrote the message, after which 
the seal of the chapter was placed upon it, all knelt 
in silent paternoster and the meeting adjourned. 

Early the next morning — the last day of July, 
1518 — a messenger bearing the escutcheon of the 
Archbishop, passed out the gate of Mentz on his way 
to Augsburg. He had been urged to haste, and obeyed ; 
but as the day advanced and the sun blazed down 
upon him he grew faint, and was compelled to halt 
at a poor inn by the way, where, upon a miserable 
bed he passed a sleepless night, and for two days was 
unable to mount his horse : but on the morning of the 
fourth day, the steeples of Augsburg came in sight. 
As he neared the city he heard the joyous ringing 
m 


The Car dinars Hat. 


of bells, saw crowds of people passing through the 
gate, and in full gallop he reached it, passed through, 
placed his horse in care of an inn servant and hur- 
ried to the cathedral ; but saw he was too late as the 
last of the brilliant procession was passing through 
the portal, and he followed. 

Under a canopy of crimson velvet sat the em- 
peror Maximilian, and between the cardinals — 
Matthias and Cajetan — sat the Electoral Archbishop 
Albrecht, and back of them were the members of the 
Imperial Diet. 

While the choir sang softly the papal legate Caje- 
tan, from the steps of the altar, read the pope’s com- 
mission, and two priests placed the purple robe upon 
Archbishop Albrecht, and led him before the altar 
where he took the oath; after which he knelt upon 
the steps and the red hat of a cardinal was placed 
upon his head ; then amid the odor of incense the soft 
tones of the organ and the sweet voices of singers 
all passed down the aisle, and the ceremony was over. 

When he reached his apartment an hour later, he 
found the letter of the cathedral-chapter of Mentz. 

“You came too late,” he said to himself after 
reading it; but was still reflecting upon its contents, 
when Dr. Stromer and Ulrich von Hutten — two of 
the members of his suit, who had accompanied him to 
69 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


Augsburg, asked permission of him to enter, and he 
told them the contents of his letter. 

“Their anxiety has no ground, for the cardinal’s 
hat will not make me a slave to Rome, I am a Ger- 
man legate, and have a German heart” ; he said to 
these faithful friends. “Leo X would be astonished 
if his German legate were to inform him of the long 
list of complaints which the Imperial Diet of Augs- 
burg has against his government. It seems to me that 
tde world is . in a state of transition ; what will come 
of it?” 

“Your Eminence” ; began Ulrich von Hutten, but 
hesitated when he noticed a flush rise to the face of 
the new cardinal. 

“ ‘Your eminence,’ ” echoed Albrecht; “is then the 
purple to separate me from my friends? Then in- 
deed would the cardinal’s hat be a burden.” 

“I wish to thank your Grace;” said Ulrich “for 
your noble true words which has lifted a burden from 
my heart ; for if you were servant to the pope, Ulrich 
voii Hutten could no longer remain in your court.” 

“I understand you Ulrich ;” said Albrecht laugh- 
ing heartily at this earnest speech, “you have thrown 
down the gauntlet to the pope, and it would be rather 
inconsistent in you to be in the service of one who 
wears the pope’s colors. But be comforted, Ulrich, 
70 


The Car dinars Hat. 


my heart is the same, I am Albrecht of Brandenburg 
to-day as yesterday.” 

The friends sat and conversed freely and con- 
fidentially for some time, and then parted; cheered 
and refreshed by their sojourn together. 

The Imperial Diet remained longer in session than 
usual. The emperor Maximilian believed that he had 
not long to live, and wished to make use of the time 
given him in care for the kingdom’s good ; so, held 
princes and prelates until the autumn, in council. 

One morning Ulrich von Hutten came into the 
apartment of Cardinal Albrecht, his face glowing and 
his eyes beaming with pleasure. 

‘T have seen and heard the great Dr. Martin 
Luther,” he said eagerly. ‘T was hunting in the for- 
est with the emperor, several gentlemen of the court 
and the legates, and we met him.” 

“Well, did he capture any of the legates?” asked 
Albrecht with a smile. 

“No; but I wish your Grace had been with us; 
he would have won your heart as he has won mine. 
He has courage — that barefooted monk — and I love 
courageous men. His splendid dark eyes prove that 
he is no ordinary man, and his words hold one spell- 
bound. He holds the same views as the Humanists, 
but goes to the very root of the matter. 

“The pope’s legate — Cajetan, had requested him 
71 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


to cancel his ninety-five theses, which Luther has 
agreed to do as soon as they are proved by the Holy 
Scriptures to be in error.’’ 

“What did Cajetan say to that?” asked the car- 
dinal eagerly. 

“He said, ‘do you imagine, beggar monk, that I 
came across the Alps to dispute with you, a German 
cowler? The words of the holy father and the teach- 
ings of our mother church stand above the errors of 
an idle visionary.’ ” 

“Did Luther make reply?” 

“Yes; if Cajetan was under the impression that 
such thunder from the mouth of a cardinal would 
frighten the monk, he was mistaken ; for in his clear, 
firm voice, Luther said to him and to the assembled 
noblemen, ‘I am following Scripture teachings; I will' 
not retract.’ 

“All eyes were turned upon Cajetan, who was 
pale, and trembling with anger, as he cried, ‘go and 
come no more in my presence. As a heretic, you shall 
be under the ban, as shall be every one who harbors 
you.’ ” 

Albrecht had listened to this with mingled feel- 
ings of pleasure and pain. His heart thrilled with 
admiration of the monk ; he was glad that he had 
defended his cause against the pope’s legate. Yet, 
yet, he realized that he must strive against that brave, 
72 


The Car dinars Hat. 


manly soul, because of his empty coffers. Dare he 
confide this to his loved and trusted friend — Ulrich 
von Hutten? 

He arose and walked restlessly to and fro in the 
small apartment; then resuming his seat close to his 
friend he said gently : '‘I can understand your zeal, 

dear Ulrich ; you and Brother Martin are two brave 
spirits ; you cannot but be congenial ; you with the 
pen and he with the Word can accomplish much.” 

“My Electoral Prince,” exclaimed von Hutten 
eagerly, “there can be no great work accomplished 
where one is timid and hesitating. What has Eras- 
mus, the quiet, reflecting, circumspect man accom- 
plished up to this time? It is in storm and stress 
that one does his most effective work. But rashness 
cannot be ascribed to Luther, he is in storm and stress, 
but is supported by his faith and trust in God. If 
your Grace could but once see his face, and hear his 
voice ; will your Grace allow me to bring him to you ?” 

Again the cardinal arose and walked the length 
of the apartment and back before replying. “What 
use would my friendship be to him von Hutten?” he 
said quietly; “there are many thoughts and cares that 
oppress my soul.” 

His companion knew well what was oppressing 
the heart of his friend, but could give no comfort; 

73 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


and shortly after he went to the Carmelite Monastery, 
where Luther had his temporary home. 

“You are really to be pitied, Cardinal Albrecht,” 
he said sadly to himself as he walked along; “I am 
but a wandering knight, but I would not exchange 
places with you, for I can express what is in my 
heart, but you,' my loved and honored friend, dare 
not.” 

The next morning Cardinal Albrecht and von 
Hutten were about to ride out, when Cajetan — the 
pope’s legate — was announced, and von Hutten left 
them together. 

“It is fortunate that I came just in time,” said 
the visitor, “for I came to see you upon very import- 
ant business and sinking upon a settle he wiped the 
moisture from his forehead — “it is as I feared ; the 
beggar monk is about to write an appeal to the pope 
for the bettering of his instructions. This must not 
be done.” 

“Why not?” asked Albrecht, “what other can he 
do when you will not let him have his say?” 

Catejan raised his eyes in a questioning and mis- 
trustful look as he asked, “What do you say, that 
I have not let him speak? No; on the contrary, I 
have been too lenient with the German clod who trans- 
gresses all rules of good breeding, and talks as freely 
to me as to an equal. Have you not heard the animal 
74 


The Car dinars Hat. 


with the deep eyes and powerful voice, bellowing in 
the street?” 

Albrecht laughed heartily at this explosion of 
anger. The legate was personally disagreeable to 
him, and it gratified him to provoke the aristocratic 
Italian, who made no secret of his contempt for Ger- 
mans. 

“But you are not so refined as I had supposed,’* 
he remarked as if casually ; “I have been told that 
your voice was also heard in the street, you have out- 
thundered the monk, but have you defeated him?” 

A lurking, suspicious look gleamed in the eyes of 
the legate as he said slowly, “How shall I interpret 
that speech, your Eminence? I came to you as an 
associate, that we might consult together as to the 
best way to deal with the dangerous heretic; but I 
have come to the conclusion that you will not raise 
your hand against the madman.” 

“Don’t speak so foolishly,” advised Albrecht; “I 
have no acquaintance with the monk.” 

“But also no enmity against him. How can you 
be so careless of the danger that threatens us from 
the monk’s theses? Help me to remove him.” 

“What do you say?” cried Albrecht startled from 
his calmness, “would you take his life?” 

“I am the servant of my master. The servant 
75 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


has not his own will, he is but an instrument in the 
hands of the ruler.” 

“I understand you,” said Albrecht coldly, “yet it 
will be wise for you to remember that there is another 
ruler in the world, whose name is Maximilian. Look 
well to it, that while you are serving one ruler, you 
are not going against another.” 

The legate was silent a moment then said in a 
ingratiating and confidential tone, “the papacy is the 
sun, my brother, and the Kaiser’s kingdom is the 
moon. When the pope speaks, the Kaiser must be 
silent, for Christ’s kingdom stands over the king- 
doms of this world, and when danger threatens, then 
must the vice-regent of Christ act.” 

“Are you dreading danger to the church? Is 
not Christ’s Church strong enough to resist the attack 
of one monk?” 

“You are careless, my brother,” complained Caje- 
tan; it is your nature to be reckless, may God open 
your eyes to see the danger we are in. 

With ever increasing zeal the legate strove to 
win Albrecht to his plans, but the sturdy German 
spirit set itself against the malignity of the Italian, 
and strove with the strongest words of which it was 
master to protect from the dagger of the assassin the 
man whose words had brought such anxiety upon it. 

The next evening about eight o’clock, the rain 
76 


The Cardinars Hat. 


falling heavily, two men on horseback and leading a 
saddled horse, rode through the dark side street which 
led to the Carmelite monastery, which was near the 
city gate of Augsburg. 

When they reached a small gate that opened into 
the monastery garden they halted and dismounted, 
then stood listening. 

“Wait here” ; said one of them in a whisper ; “I 
will bring him to this spot” ; and passing through the 
gate he took the path that led to the cloisters. 

For many minutes the other waited in the beating 
rain ; and his heart grew heavy, fearing a failure of 
their plan. Suppose Luther would refuse to come, 
not believing his life to be in danger, then — ” 

His meditations were interrupted by the sound of 
cautious footsteps of two persons. 

“We are here, von Hutten ;” said a subdued voice, 
and thrilling with joy, he stepped forward and clasped 
an outstretched hand. 

“Is this the hand of Brother Martin?” he whis- 
pered. 

“Yes ; and may God bless you Ulrich von Hut- 
ten” ; whispered Luther; “may the Almighty reward 
you, brave knight, for your care of me. I have more 
friends than I thought.” 

“Thank God that you came;” whispered Ulrich; 
“I feared you would not, in which case I doubt if 
77 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


you would have seen the rising of to-morrow’s sun. 
For you I will lay down the pen and take up the sword 
should you need it.” 

'‘Thank you noble knight replied Luther with 
emotion; “the Word of God is a two edged sword; 
I shall not need the steel.” 

“Mount this horse Brother Martin,” whispered 
Ulrich leading him to it, he will travel without boot 
or Spur.” 

With warm pressure of hands, the barefoot monk 
rode away in the storm and darkness, and Ulrich von 
Hutten and his assistant remained listening until the 
sound of the horses feet were lost in the distance. 



78 


CHAPTER Vm. 

IN ITALY AND GERMANY. 

I N one of the many apartments in the Vatican sat 
one morning Leo X., engaged in playing a game 
of chess with his secretary, Bembo. 

The Pope was not in a pleasant frame of mind,^ 
for Bembo, in spite of his wish to avoid it, had won 
the previous game, and was in a fair way to win an- 
other, when to his great satisfaction a valet came to. 
inform Leo that Dr. John Eck, Vice Chancellor of the 
University of Ingolstadt, who had just returned from 
Germany, wished to have an audience with PI is Holi- 
ness. 

'‘Again I have to hear the barbarous word ‘Ger- 
many,’ ” complained the Pope, pushing back the chess, 
board, “and have to listen to the doings of these rude- 
mannered, stolid, stubborn people across the Alps. But 
I wish to hear what news Eck brings, for I have felt 
that it was bad policy in us to send Cajetan to Augs- 
burg, for he has too much fire in his nature to tame 
the German monk. You can leave me now, Bembo,, 
and send Eck in.” 

“What news do you bring from over the Alps,” 
asked Leo, when the tall form of the visitor had knelt 
in saluation at the feet of his, spiritual father, then^ 
79 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


took the profifered chair. “I hope nothing that will 
be unwelcome.” 

“Your Holiness will not let one suffer for bring- 
ing ill news, but it was a poor attempt at peace that 
was made by your chamberlain von Militz with 
Luther, for it gave the reprobate monk a chance to 
express his views.” 

“Where and how?” cried Leo, stamping his foot 
in anger. “Woe to him.” 

“At Leipsic, where I had a disputation with Dr. 
Carlstadt, the friend and associate of Luther. I soon 
settled him, but the loud-mouthed monk mixed in and 
1 had hard work to repel him.” 

“What called you to a disputation,” cried the 
Pope ; “it is you who were the disturber of the peace. 
Now tell me what else happened.” 

“I had to dispute with Luther, especially when 
he asserted that the Romish papacy was entirely the 
ordering of man, and with bold affrontery spoke 
against the authority and supremacy of your holi- 
ness,” replied Eck, indignant at the reproof of the 
Pope, but outwardly affable and agreeable. “I an- 
grily reminded him that Christ himself had established 
the spiritual supremacy of the Pope in the well known 
words, ‘Thou art Peter, on this rock I build my 
Church, and the monk insisted upon an entirely dif- 
ferent significance; and when I said that the councils 
80 


In Italy and Germany. 


of all our Churches interpreted the sentence in that 
way he cried with frenzied heat, ‘the Church Councils, 
too, can err,” at which there was a great commotion 
among the people, and the disputation came to an 
end.” 

“And Luther was victor,” remarked the Pope, 
sarcastically. 

“Not at all ; I received much commendation as 
bearer of the palm.” 

“From our own people, sneered Leo; “of course, 
Luther received the same from his followers.” 

“Your Holiness has treated the monk too mildly,” 
asserted Dr. Eck. “If Cardinal Cajetan had brought 
him in chains to Rome he would not have had the 
opportunity to slander the papacy.” 

“Oh, these Germans !” cried Leo, rising and walk- 
ing to the window, “I hope God will put it into the 
heart of their newly-crowned Emperor to stretch out 
his arm and help me root out these noxious weeds.” 

“And there is another who expresses through his 
pen his hatred of the papal throne,” continued Eck, 
when the Pope resumed his seat; “he is the Knight 
Ulrich von Hutten.” 

“What!” cried Leo, starting up, “that versatile 
genius whom we welcomed with hearty pleasure to 
our court; is he in the camp of the enemy?” 

“Yes, Your Holiness, he sends out pamphlet 
81 


6 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


after pamphlet against our holy Church, and in this 
way is a helper to the Wittenberg heretic, for his 
bright articles are circulated everywhere.” 

“The miscreant !” exclaimed the Pope, ‘'is he 
possessed of a devil?” 

“He is, I cannot tell you all that he has writ- 
ten, but will just read an extract from one of his 
books : ‘Three things would Rome murder — a good 
conscience, true piety and the sacredness of an oath. 
Three things are of great value to Rome, — beautiful 
women, fine horses and the papal bulls. Three things 
would better Rome, — the desperation of the German 
nation, the invasion of the German princes and the 
swords of the Turks. Three things would free us 
from Romish evil, — the banishment of Romish big- 
otry, the discarding of Romish superstition and the 
entire abolishment of the papal throne.’ ” 

“That is enough, and more than our ears can 
bear!” cried Leo, sinking back helplessly. 

“And yet I must tell Your Holiness something 
more,” continued Dr. Eck coldly. “Under whose eyes 
does Your Holiness suppose that these writings were 
sent out in the world?” 

“How should I know?” enquired Leo, with ire; 
“do not keep me on the rack, but tell me quickly.” 

“He is the one whom Your Holiness recently 
honored by giving him place among the Cardinals.” 

82 


In Italy and Germany. 


“Albrecht of Mentz ! It cannot be possible ! Al- 
brecht of Brandenburg is an honorable man ; it can- 
not, cannot be!’’ 

“But he is a German !” remarked Dr. Eck coldly. 

“Yes,” sighed Leo, folding his hands upon his 
breast, “and you also, dear Eck — he added in a con- 
ciliatory tone — “are also a German, but your heart 
is in Rome. We build upon your faithfulness as upon 
a rock. We must call a council of strict, severe 
theologians to examine into the affair, and I appoint 
you auditor to pass sentence. Go now and select men 
to council in regard to these heretics — Luther and 
von Hutten. 

“You must be more lenient upon von Hutten than 
upon Luther, because of his friend, Albrecht, whose 
assistance we cannot do without, and whose anger we 
dare not arouse.” He waved his hand and Dr. Eck 
left the room, his eyes gleaming with pleasure at the 
victory he had won in the Vatican over his enemies. 

One morning, some time after, Ulrich von Hut- 
ten, attended by two servants, rode out the city gate 
of Brussels, where he had been to see the Archduke 
Ferdinand, brother of the new German Emperor, for 
Maximilian had died soon after the adjournment of 
the Imperial Diet, and his grandson was Emperor 
under the title of Charles V., he having been the choice 
of Cardinal Albrecht. 


83 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


The young Emperor was expected to visit the 
Brussels court, and the object of von Hutten’s visit 
at that time was to consult with Ferdinand in regard 
to ridding Germany of the foreign yoke of Romish 
rule, and the Archduke had listened with interest to 
his plans. 

Ulrich had known of the intended visit of the 
Emperor, and was anxious to remain until his ar- 
rival, for besides the Archduke he had found many 
friends who were in unison with his plans, but also 
bitter enemies against whom he had been warned. 

When he reached a narrow pass a man with 
sharp visage and sinister eyes, dressed in the garb of 
a monk, appeared suddenly before him, and von Hut- 
ten recognized in him his deadly enemy — Jacob von 
Hoogstraten — the Cologne inquisitor. 

“Ha, you have at last crossed my path, you prince 
of darkness!” cried von Hutten, drawing his sword 
from his scabbard, “what death shall I mete out to 
you, the enemy of all good and the adversary of all 
truth?” 

Hoogstraten sank upon his knees and begged for 
his life. 

“I grant it, for I would not sully my sword with 
the blood of such a villain, and he returned it to its 
scabbard, leaving the monk prostrate on the ground 
as he galloped away. 


84 


In Italy and Germany. 


“Ride away, you unblessed fool!” cried Hoog- 
straten, shaking his fist at the fast disappearing 
knight, “your time will yet come.” 

“When von Hutten reached Aix-a-la-Chapelle he 
halted at an inn, where in the guest room he saw but 
one traveler — a Nuremburg merchant — who re- 
plied to his greeting with hearty pleasure. 

“Have you heard the news?” he asked. 

“No, what is it?” 

“The Pope has excommunicated Martin Luther.” 

“Just God, let not that great light be extin- 
guished !” cried von Hutten, as pale and trembling he 
sank upon a settle. “Darkness has won the victory! 
Poor Germany, must you indeed make a grave in 
which to bury your hopes?” 

The merchant appeared to have something more 
upon his mind, and putting his hand upon von Hut- 
ten’s shoulder he said, “it grieves me, noble knight, 
to tell you that upon you also the Pope’s anger blazes 
hot, and he has sent to Cardinal Albrecht at Mentz a 
severe penalty to be imposed upon you.” 

“The weakness is past !” cried von Hutten, spring- 
ing to his feet, “I thank you, Leo, that you consider 
me worthy to suffer with the just. Unsheath your 
dagger, you murderer with the triple crown, and 
plunge it into the heart of Luther and von Hutten. 
You cannot kill us, for the seed we have sown will 
85 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


bear fruit. You shall hear more of me, Leo, I will 
work while it is day, and sell my life dear.” 

‘‘In what direction are you going?” asked the 
merchant. 

“The road to Mentz.” 

“The very one in which your danger lies,” said 
the merchant, crossing himself. 

“I am going to Albrecht — my Albrecht ; — I 
will look into his kind face to assure myself that he 
would never betray a friend.” 

He could not remain a moment longer than neces- 
sary, but rode away in the direction of Mentz, reached 
it, passed through the city gate, and was soon at the 
Cardinal’s palace, where he was met by his true friend, 
Wolfgang Capito, the court chaplain and councillor 
of the Cardinal. 

“Things have come to a sad pass, my dear von 
Hutten,” he said, after pressing his friend’s hand 
warmly, “the Cardinal is filled with gloom, and a 
strange solemnity reigns in the court. I have read 
the letter of the Pope to the Cardinal, and it is writ- 
ten in great anger, saying that a certain Ulrich von 
Hutten has written and published works which slatfder 
the papal throne. 

“Upon inquiry he finds that the defamer is in the 
court of the Cardinal Albrecht, and the works were 
published in Mentz. He wrote that he could scarcely 
86 


In Italy and Germany. 


believe that these writings were known to the Arch- 
bishop, to whom he had shown so many favors, but 
he wished to be convinced that it was done without 
his knowledge. He would wait to hear from him, 
that the audacity of the calumniator and blasphemer 
might have full punishment.” 

“What answer did the Cardinal make?” asked 
von Hutten, in breathless anxiety. 

Capito sighed deeply, as he replied, “it grieved 
me to write what he dictated, and he also appeared 
distressed. He wrote that it grieved him inexpress- 
ibly that His Holiness was displeased because of writ- 
ings that had gone out from Mentz, and asked his 
pardon. He added that his mind had been so en- 
gaged in other matters that he had not paid attention 
to it ; but in obedience to the head of the Church 
would now rectify the evil.” Ulrich von Hutten made 
a hasty movement as if eager to go to the apartment 
of the Cardinal to express his satisfaction. 

“Wait, Ulrich,” said his friend, “do you not 
know Albrecht? So many lovable traits he possesses, 
yet wanting in character. So clear in head, so weak 
in will and heart. People have wondered that he has 
kept in his court and gave his highest favor to one 
who writes against the Romish throne. But I have 
seen into his inmost heart and know that it was with 
secret joy he saw you give stroke upon stroke, and 
87 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


thought that whatever power and importance was 
lost to, the Romish Church in the battle, would fall 
into the hands of the Primate of Germany. If through 
von Hutten’s pen, and Sickingen’s sword, the Ger- 
man people gained strength to throw off the Romish 
chains, the German Churches would band under one 
bishop, who would have precedence next after the 
Pope, It was this hope that prompted him to offer 
you the position here. Germany would be free from 
the foreign yoke. But your aim was higher than that. 
You wished the destruction of papacy itself ; you 
wished to destroy the deceiver’s nest. But the Lion 
in Rome awoke and roared ; Albrecht was fright- 
ened; he shrank within himself and knows his friend 
no more.” 

The heart of von Hutten ached at this desertion, 
and in trembling voice he said, “how art thou fallen, 
oh beautiful star of the morning! Albrecht, upon 
you my heart, my trust was placed! Your thoughts 
were so great, your soul so noble, and now to cringe 
to one who has power, and sacrifice your friend ! My 
courage is lamed, my heart is full of sadness. Can it 
be true that I am a stranger here where for three 
years I have had a loved home? It is not hard for me 
to leave the court, but to part from Albrecht, my 
friend, that is bitter, bitter. Where is he; I must 
see him.” 


88 


In Italy and Germany, 


“Capito pointed to the court yard : ‘'See, Ulrich, 
he is riding out. He wished to spare you and myself 
a painful scene.” 

“He has abandoned his friend ; I know now what 
path we each will take. Albrecht will go to Rome ; I,, 
to Wittenberg.” 



89 


CHAPTER IX* 

THE IMPERIAL DIET AT WORMS. 

O NE day in autumn Dr. Eck, accompanied by 
two legates of Leo X — Aleander and Car- 
acciolo — reached Germany, having crossed 
the Alps to bring the holy father’s ban of excommu- 
nication of the heretic — Martin Luther, the prodigal 
son, who had dared to raise his hand against the 
mother church. 

He had been summoned to Rome, the penalty for 
refusing to go, being excommunication. He had not 
gone, and now the bull of excommunication had come, 
which read that he was cast out from the church, and 
all persons or states harboring him or holding inter- 
course with him were placed under the same ban. 
All patriarchs, archbishops, bishops, prelates of patri- 
archal, metropolitan and other cathedrals, and all other 
ecclesiastics — especially in Germany — were required 
to make solemn proclamation of the bull in all their 
churches on Sundays, and other festivals; and it was 
to be nailed to the doors of cathedrals, that the peo- 
ple might be warned by hearing of the fate of one who 
•had not honored the representative of the Most High. 
The writings of Luther had been burned in Rome 
90 


The Imperial Diet at Worms. 


and Cologne, and now during the visit of the legates 
they were to be burned in the city of Mentz. 

To witness this a great crowd of people had gath- 
ered in the market place of Mentz, and exclamations 
of dismay as well as of satisfaction were heard on all 
sides. 

‘Ts it true,’’ asked a citizen of Mentz to a neigh- 
bor, ‘‘that our new kaiser allowed Luther’s books to 
be burned in Cologne?” 

“Yes, it is too true ; and it was by the command 
of our twenty year’s old king, that the fire was made 
ready. He is a Spaniard, and is under the influence 
of the Spanish grandees and the clergy, who look upon 
Martin Luther as a devil.” 

“If Leo has our emperor on his side, then indeed 
must the light be extinguished and freedom die. I 
had hoped and expected better things of our emperor, 
and would never have believed that Cardinal Albrecht 
would so disgrace our city as to have the writings of 
that great and good man burned.” 

“It is because of his fear of the pope and the 
kaiser, that he has fallen from the truth; and for the 
same reason has sent away the knight von Hutten. 
Moreover, he had the advice of Erasmus who agreed 
with him that it would not be wise to anger the pope.” 

At that moment there came from the cathedral 
the bodyguard of the Cardinal, followed by a long 
91 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


train of monks chattering the 94th Psalm : “Oh, Lord 
God to whom vengeance belongeth show thyself.” 
Following the monks, were the members of the Cathe- 
dral chapter, and in their midst were the two legates, 
who, in their brimstone colored gowns and black hats 
with wide, flapping rims, resembled fiends into whose 
hands the heretic had fallen. 

Following them were two masked men drawing 
a sledge upon which were the works of Luther, and 
upon the heap was the inscription : “Depart ye ac- 
cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and 
his angels,” and the train was ended by twelve execu- 
tioner’s assistants, with blackened faces, and long oven 
forks. 

There was stillness while the sled was nearing, 
but a moment later, when the torch was applied, and 
the writings were laid upon the blaze, there was an 
uproar, and cries of “Stamp out the fire!” “Strike 
down the cowlers !” and the names of the legates called 
in tones of derision. 

They, in turn, threatened the populace with the 
anger of the pope, but grew frightened when they 
were pelted with mud, and stones were aimed at their 
hats. The Cathedral chapter summoned a body of the 
Cardinal’s horsemen, and then and not until then, 
did the people disperse. 

In the meantime, there sat in his cloister in Wit- 
92 


The Imperial Diet at Worms. 


tenberg, the man whose works were being burned 
upon the altar of revenge; and to all the terrifying 
reports brought to him he had but one reply, ‘‘If God 
be with us, who can be against us? If Christ be my 
helper, antichrist can have no power over me.” 

Nor was he idle ; instead his pen flew over the pa- 
per, and soon there were speeding through the world, 
including the Vatican — two pamphlets ; one addressed 
to the nobility of the German nation, and the other 
treating of the Babylonish captivity of the church; 
and in these pamphlets he had torn from his heart the 
last tie that bound him to Rome. Out of the old 
worm-eaten house of error, bigotry, and superstition, 
he would erect a new one, lighted by truth. 

Time passed, and it was on the morning of De- 
cember loth, 1520, when the students of the Univer- 
sity of Wittenberg were gathered in front of the build- 
ing gazing upon a black-board upon which a sentence 
was written which they must see to believe ; for it gave 
the injunction that Martin Luther would that morning 
publicly burn the pope's bull of excommunication on 
the space before the Elster gate of Wittenberg. 

When from the steeples of the city the clocks 
peeled forth the hour of nine. Doctor Martin Luther, 
followed by a long train of professors, students, Au- 
g-ustinian monks from the cloisters, and citizens, led 

O 

93 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


the way to the Elster gate before which the funeral 
pyre was already erected. 

In a great compact circle the crowd gathered 
around it, a magistrate stepped forward and applied 
a burning torch to the dry wood, and smoke and flame 
shot upward. Then Luther placed the roll containing 
the papal bull of excommunication and the canon law, 
upon the flames, saying: “As thou hast troubled the 
Holy One of the Lord, may the eternal fire trouble 
and consume thee.” 

The flames closed over it, the bridge between the 
monk and the pope was forever destroyed, the chain 
of Romish tyranny broken. A moment the crowd 
lingered in silence, then arose from a thousand voices, 
“We praise thee O God.” 

Luther and the professors returned to the univer- 
sity, and the students threw into the flames the works 
of Dr. Eck, of Hoogstraten, and of other papists, and 
the fumes of the burning reached Rome, and almost 
robbed the pope of breath ; it seemed to make his 
throne tremble and the world pass from under his feet. 

In November, 1520, Charles V called together 
the members of the Imperial Diet, consisting of three 
spiritual and three temporal electors, twenty-five dukes, 
eleven margraves and landgraves, seven princes, thirty 
archbishops, bishops and abbots, two papal legates, 
five ambassadors, one from England, France, Bohe- 
94 


The Imperial Diet at Worms. 


mia, Hungary and Venice, fifty counts of the empire,, 
and a great number of knights and councillors. 

The young Spanish king had succeeded to his 
grandfather’s throne at a trying time ; and the people 
awaited the first Imperial Diet called by him with 
anxiety. Would the young kaiser of twenty years 
bring a true German heart to the German nation? 

It was truly a trying time for him to come to the 
throne; would he have the clear head and firm hand 
to guide the ship of state? The finances of the king- 
dom were in an uncomfortable condition ; the members 
of the imperial chamber were tormenting themselves 
in regard to a constitution ; the military affairs of the 
kingdom were unsettled, which was a subject of anx- 
iety, especially as there was danger threatening from 
the Turks. 

The princes were at variance with the nobility and 
the cities, the peasants found fault with the nobility and 
clergy, and now, in addition to all these troubles, came 
the split between the papal throne and Luther, which 
threatened to divide the kingdom into two great 
armies. 

The religious question was the greatest problem, 
and the kaiser was of the opinion that if the Witten- 
berg dreamer were called to appear before the tribunal 
of the members of the Imperial Diet, the poor monk 
would be so overpowered by dazzling splendor of' 
95 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


church and state gathered in one point, that he would 
recant, and thus all further trouble be avoided. He 
mentioned this hope to several of the electors, but was 
not deterred from his purpose by the doubtful shake 
of their heads. 

In the meantime, the two legates were anxious in 
regard to themselves, and late one night had a consul- 
tation in their apartments. 

“His holiness has expected that before this time 
Luther would have been in chains, or out of the 
world,” remarked Aleander; “his anger will be hot 
against us when he finds that we have done nothing.” 

“That anxiety presses upon me also,” answered 
Caraccioli ; “and without your knowledge I had a con- 
ference with the kaiser in regard to the dangerous 
heretic. With all diplomacy I asked him to break the 
promise of safe convoy, for Luther, as there was noth- 
ing binding upon a person to keep a promise to a 
heretic, and to send a heretic out of the world no mat- 
ter in what manner, was a praiseworthy deed.” 

“Did you say that?” exclaimed the other legate 
anxiously; “what did he say?” 

“Charles is part German ; the Germans are a peo- 
ple with hearts cut from wood, and with conscience 
like ox hide. He replied to my proposition with scorn 
and anger, and asked me not to associate him with the 
Emperor Sigismund, who had broken his kingly prom- 
96 


The Imperial Diet at Worms. 


ise to Huss, of safe convoy, and was accursed for all 
time ; as through the breaking of that promise, Huss 
was burned at the stake.” 

“Perhaps a dagger can find its way to the heart 
of the heretic, in spite of the kaiser’s promise for safe 
convoy,” remarked the other legate. 

“I did my best to soothe the angry feelings of the 
kaiser,” continued Caraccioli, “as it is necessary that 
we have his favor. We came here to set the German 
princes against the heretic, but we do not know what 
turn the coming Imperial Diet will take, for the Ger- 
man princes are trying to turn the kaiser against the 
pope.” 

The two legates conversed long and earnestly, and 
at length it was decided that Cardinal Albrecht was 
the man who could influence the emperor, and his 
decision upon any subject had more weight in the Diet 
than that of any other elector. Therefore he was the 
one they would see in their battle against the heretic, 
and resolved to visit him the next morning. 

They were cordially received by Albrecht, and 
Aleander promptly made known their errand. 

“We will not conceal from your Eminence,” he 
said suavely, “that the pope was terribly incensed that 
the godless writings of the Knight von Hutten were 
published in Mentz under your eyes, and although you 
have put him out of your service, his holiness has a 
7 97 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


secret distrust of your Electoral Grace, believing that 
it was not of your free will, but because it was the 
command of the pope. Now you have the excellent 
opportunity to regain the full confidence of his Holi- 
ness, and it is, through your intercession with the 
kaiser to render the heretic, Luther, harmless.” 

“I will do as you wish,” replied Albrecht, after 
a moment’s reflection. “As you know, the pope’s bull 
of excommunication, made but little impression upon 
the people, and was an object of derision to Luther. 
Perhaps the kaiser can grasp what the pope’s arm was 
too short to reach ; and if the monk will not retract, 
the ban of the Imperial Diet will be passed upon him.” 

The legates felt keenly the slur upon the pope, 
but made no outside demonstration; they had accom- 
plished their ends, Albrecht would work in their cause, 
and they left his apartments jubilant over their vic- 
tory. 

The result of their visit was, that on April i6th, 
1521, the barefooted monk, in faded cowl, passed 
through the gate of the city of Worms followed by 
over two thousand people, to answer to the charges 
against him before the Imperial Diet. 

The whole journey from Wittenberg under the 
convoy of the Diet’s herald, had been a triumphal 
campaign. At all points on the way, crowds had col- 
lected; from the old people leaning upon their staffs 


The Imperial Diet at Worms. 


to the babes in arms, to see the man whom some looked 
upon as an angel of light sent from heaven, and others 
as one sent from the depths of perdition; and when 
he preached, as he did wherever opportunity offered, 
the churches could not hold the people. 

His friends had warned him of the risk he ran 
in going to Worms, but his reply had been, “to 
Worms I am called, to Worms I will go, though there 
be as many devils there as there are tiles upon the 
roofs of the houses.” 

He had reached there safely, and the city had 
come out to see the man of whom John Huss had 
prophesied a hundred years before. Windows and 
roofs were crowded with people, and thousands of 
voices were heard in greetings of welcome, as he pro- 
ceeded on his way to a quiet inn. 

Toward evening of April 17th, 1521, the marshal 
of the empire, accompanied by the herald, came to 
summon him before the Imperial Diet, to which he 
responded with beaming eyes : “In God’s name !” 

As he passed into the ante-chamber of the great 
building, an able military commander — Frundsberg 
— tapped him upon the shoulder and said : “Monk, 
monk, thou art on a passage more perilous than any 
which I, and many other commanders ever knew on 
the bloodiest battle fields; if thou art right, fear not, 
God will sustain thee.” 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


At length a blaze of light greeted him from the 
opened door of the richly decorated assembly room, 
and he obeyed the call to enter. 

For a moment the poor cloister brother stood in 
the doorway, bewildered at the sight of the great and 
powerful of the earth, their splendid uniforms, and 
dazzling decorations sparkling in the rays of the bright 
light, in striking contrast to his own abject appear- 
ance. 

But it was only for a moment; he advanced as 
requested to the table in front of his majesty, Charles 
V, upon which had been placed copies of his writings. 

All eyes were upon him, and no one gazed with 
more curiosity, hauteur, and aversion than did the 
electoral prince — Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg. 

“Martin Luther,” began the court official, John 
von Eck, “his majesty, Charles V of Germany, has 
called you, in accordance with the judgment of his 
people, to ask you two questions ; the first being, are 
you the author of these writings which lie before us, 
and will you retract the teachings contained in them ?” 

Luther was about to reply when a member of the 
Diet suggested that the titles of the writings be given. 
This was done and the question was again asked and 
Luther responded: 

“All the writings which bear my name v>^ere writ- 
ten by my hand, and I deny nothing, nor will I retract ; 

100 


The Imperial Diet at Worms. 


for it would be at the risk of my soul’s eternal hap- 
piness ; our Savior says, ‘who denies me before men, 
him will I also deny before my Father in heaven.’ ” 
The kaiser spoke a moment with the official, who 
then turned to Luther and gave the command: 

“His kingly majesty has graciously given you 
more time to decide ; and will allow you now to de- 
part to come to-morrow at this hour, prepared to an- 
swer his question.” 

He waved his hand and Luther left the assembly 
hall, and returned to his humble place of sojourn, 
where he sank upon his knees and prayed. 

The next day at the same hour, he was again 
summoned before the Diet, and with renewed strength 
given of God, he appeared, his voice full and strong, 
his dark eyes clear, and showing in their depths the 
steadfast purpose of his soul. 

“Martin Luther,” called the court official, “we 
have wasted time on this matter; we wish no disputa- 
tion, but a clear, direct answer to the question, ‘will 
you, or will you not retract?’ ” 

Every member of the brilliant assembly held his 
breath to listen, and the reply came clearly and dis- 
tinctly : “Unless I shall be refuted and convinced by 
testimony of the Holy Scriptures, or by public, clear, 
and evident arguments and reasons, I cannot, and will 
not retract anything; since I believe neither the pope 
101 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


nor the councils alone, both of them, having evidently 
often erred and contradicted themselves, and since it is 
neither safe nor advisable to do anything against the 
conscience. Here T stand ; I can do no other. God 
help me ! Amen !” 

A few days later the Imperial Diet pronounced 
the ban of the empire against Martin Luther, and he 
was an outcast from church and state. 

Some of the members of the Diet wished to deny 
him the safe convoy back to Wittenberg, but the ma- 
jority, together with the emperor, would not act that 
dishonorable part. 

The edict was written by Aleander, and signed 
by all the members of the Diet in the cathedral of 
Worms, and read : 

“We have dismissed from our presence Martin 
Luther, whom all reasonable men consider to be pos- 
sessed of a devil ; and it is our intention to put a stop 
to his fury, which will go into effect when the term of 
his safe conduct has expired. For this end and on 
pain of incurring the penalty for treason, we hereby 
forbid all persons from receiving the said Martin Lu- 
ther from the moment that the said term has expired, 
or to harbor him, or give him meat or drink, or by 
word or act publicly or in private to aid or abet 
him. We further enjoin you to seize or cause to be 
seized the said Martin Luther, wherever he may be, 
102 


The Imperial Diet at Worms. 


and bring him before us without delay, or hold him 
in durance until you shall be informed how to deal 
with him, and have received your reward due to your 
co-operation in this holy work. As to his adherents, 
you are enjoined to seize upon them, putting them in 
durance and confiscating their property. If any one, 
whatever his rank, shall dare to act contrary to this 
decree of our Imperial Majesty, we command that 
he be placed under the ban of the empire.” 

The next morning Luther quietly left Worms, 
under the convoy of the herald of the Diet, and on the 
way to Wittenberg was, through the goodness of 
Frederick, Elector of Saxony, waylaid by a company 
of his friends in disguise and taken secretly to Wart- 
burg Castle. 



103 


CHAPTER X. 

ONE MORE WORK OF ART. 

I T was indeed high time for Cardinal Albrecht to 
return from Worms to his own dominions, and 
his arrival was anxiously looked for in Magde- 
burg, as well as in Mentz, for the Chancellor and 
manager of the finances, was painfully perplexed over 
the state of the treasury. Debts were accumulating, 
and there seemed to be no way of decreasing them. 
In Meiitz alone the sum of 90,000 guldens was due, 
and in Magdeburg it was very near the same amount. 

The people of Mentz had no funds with which 
to make a great public reception in honor of his home- 
coming; moreover he must be informed of the state 
of the finances as soon as he arrived, and upon the 
faces of the authorities was gloom instead of cheery 
welcome. 

^T have a strong desire to go to Halle instead of 
going directly to Mentz,” he said to his suite after 
leaving Worms; “I wish to see how the building of 
the new Collegiate Church is progressing. My heart 
is set upon this church, which I intend shall, in the 
old belief, be a strong fortress against Wittenberg.” 

But, after all, he made no haste to reach Halle, 
but concluded to enjoy the beautiful scenery about 
104 


One More Work of Art. 


Aschaffenburg, at which they had made a halt, and 
took up his quarters in the castle there, and it was 
in the beginning of June, and after repeated messages 
from Halle and Magdeburg, before he and his fol- 
lowers again mounted their horses to continue the 
journey. 

As they neared the city of Halle they were met 
by the Chancellor of the city. Dr. Turk, and the 
Cardinal descended from his horse and took a seat in 
the coach beside him. 

‘Tt has been a long time since we have seen your 
Eminence,” remarked the Chancellor by way of wel- 
come. 

“Yes, the longer I remained away the greater 
was my desire to see what progress the new Church 
has made. I hope the builders have been busy.” 

“We have no reason to complain of them, your 
Grace, yet the work has not progressed much. The 
Church, it is true, is nearly finished, and the relics 
have been removed from the chapel of the palace and 
been placed in the room provided expressly for them ; 
but very little more has been done to the Church, and 
nothing whatever to the tower.” 

“That is ill news with which to welcome me home. 
What is the cause of the delay?” 

“The builders would not work without pay, and 
they sought better employers.” 

105 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


“Oh, always the merciless cry for money,” ex- 
claimed the Cardinal, a shadow passing over his hand- 
some face. “I knew that at Mentz it would embitter 
my home-coming, and now you have come to meet 
me with the same melancholy song. I pray you do 
not look as if there is no possible way out of the trou- 
ble. Why not put a new tax upon the people?” 

“That way is thorny, and will bring trouble; the 
people are groaning under the one already in opera- 
tion.” 

The Cardinal looked gloomily upon the distant 
landscape and awaited further speech of the Chan- 
cellor. 

“It was a blessed time when Tetzel went with his 
boxes through the country,” remarked Dr. Turk at 
length; “gold rained down, and it was a delight to 
be Chancellor of the Magdeburg archbishopric. 
Curses upon the heretic who took away the work 
from Tetzel ; and now that Luther is dead what hin- 
ders us from putting the traffic again in operation? 
We could then have all the money we need.” 

“But the time is past for that. Tetzel is dead, 
and his like could never again be found. Moreover, 
the report that Luther is dead is not correct; instead, 
he has found a safe rest where he is concealed. If 
that were not the case, and the banned outlaw were 
really out of the world, I yet would not be willing to 
106 


One More Work of Art. 


tamper with the sale of indulgences, for there was 
such an outcry against it from the princes at the Diet 
of Worms that it is out of the question with me. But 
I have a plan in view for raising money, it will be a 
sale of indulgences, but of another kind.'' 

'‘What kind?" asked the Chancellor, eagerly. 

'‘We could have a public display of our sacred 
relics, and visitors should have remission of their 
sins for the alms offering. What do you think of 
that plan? 

“We need so much money that I fear that alms 
offering would not help us much." 

“Look there; is not that traveler our Schonitz?" 
exclaimed the Cardinal, looking in the distance to 
where two horsemen were slowly taking their way 
toward Halle, one of them leading a heavily laden 
pack horse. 

“Yes," replied the Chancellor, shading his eyes 
with his hand, “it is our Halle traveling merchant 
and his servant." 

The two soon drew near and the Cardinal waved 
his hand graciously. 

“I am proud to be among the first to welcome 
your Grace," said the young man, flushing with 
pleasure at the notice taken of him by the great elec- 
toral prince. 


107 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


‘^Where are you from?” asked the Cardinal, 
kindly, and with interest. 

‘‘From Frankfort, your Highness.” 

“And you love your work better than your posi- 
tion in the salt works?” 

“I retain that position also, but it does not take 
all my time, and I love to travel about the world and 
see different people and customs.” 

“Your pack horse appears heavily laden; what 
have you ?” 

“New and beautiful things for the rich buyer, 
principally silks and jewels and works of art. One 
beautiful piece of art that I have at this time would, 
I am sure, please your Highness.” 

“You make me curious, dear Schonitz,” said the 
Cardinal, instantly interested. “What is it?” 

“It is a casket of gold and ivory, resting upon 
lion’s feet. It is twelve inches wide and twenty-four 
inches long, and has portraits of saints set in tur- 
quois and topaz, and a border of pilagree work in silver 
and ivory.” 

“Let me see it, Schonitz,” said His Eminence, 
his eyes beaming with anticipation. 

The Chancellor threw an angry glance at the 
dealer, but it was not noticed, and with the help of 
his servant he took the casket from the hamper and 
passed it into the coach. 


108 


One More Work of Art. 


“With eager delight the Cardinal rested it upon 
his knee, and with the practised eye of an art con- 
noisseur inspected the workmanship. 

‘I must have it,” he exclaimed; “it is the very 
thing to place in the sanctuary to hold the blood of 
John the Baptist ; the case it is now in is entirely un- 
worthy such a valuable relic. In this splendid re- 
ceptacle the priceless remembrance of the saint will 
find a fitting resting place. What do you ask for it, 
Schonitz ?” 

“Twelve hundred guldens, your Eminence; but 
if your Highness wishes it I will reduce the price 
by taking off my profit.” 

“I hope your Electoral Grace will delay the pur- 
chase of it until a more favorable time,” remarked 
the Chancellor, anxiously. 

“I hear the warning voice of the Turk,” ex- 
claimed the Cardinal, facetiously; “of course you can- 
not appreciate such a gem ; it is only the money that 
has value in your eyes.” 

“If your Eminence will accept of it as a gift you 
will be doing me a great favor,” said the merchant, 
timidly. 

“You have a faithful, pious heart, my good 
Schonitz,” said the Cardinal. “If it were for myself 
I could not accept it as a gift, but for the sanctuary 
of our new Collegiate Church and the glory of God, 
109 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


I accept it as the offering of a believing soul, and 
great will be your reward in heaven/’ 

'The merchant’s eyes beamed with joy ; the prom- 
ise and the honor were more to him than twelve hun- 
dred guldens. 

“You can put the treasure back in its place, 
Schonitz, and bring it to the palace to-morrow morn- 
ing,” and with a kindly nod he bade the merchant 
good-bye, and in half hn hour his coach passed 
through the gate of Halle. 

He was received by the alderman and the clergy, 
the citizens and the school children, who, with the 
singing of a Latin psalm, escorted him to his resi- 
dence. 

The next morning Schonitz appeared with the 
casket, and was cordially received by the Cardinal, 
and invited to go with him to the church to deposit 
the gem among the other costly things he had pur- 
chased in which to place the relics. 

“It is depressing to see so much tardiness in 
completing this beautiful edifice,” the Cardinal re- 
marked, as they entered. “My hopes are centered on 
this church. The evil weeds of heresy grow so quick- 
ly that we should have quicker work here in order to 
forestall them. Do you know, my dear Schonitz, why 
the work is delayed?” 

The young man’s face flushed ; he did know. 

no 


One More Work of Art. 


“You are a truly pious and creditable mlan, 
Schonitz, and have our full confidence. I see that you 
do know the cause ; you know that it is want of means 
to pay the workmen, and I see a way in which you 
can help me. Now, I will show you the priceless 
relics which our forefathers gathered, and which are 
our pride and our joy.” 

With reverent awe the young man followed, and 
was dazzled by the sight of the brilliant and truly 
beautiful things which held the relics. 

The first thing shown him was the golden rose, 
sent by the Pope, Leo X., when Archbishop Albrecht 
had the honor of being made a Cardinal, and next 
the splendid sword which the Pope had sent to the 
Emperor Maximilian, and which he in turn had given 
Cardinal Albrecht for his collection. Then came a 
row of little boxes, chests and shrines of pure gold 
or silver, set with precious stones which held a piece 
of earth from Damascus, a stone from Mount Sinai, 
manna which the children of Israel fed upon in the 
wilderness, a fragment of Mount Tabor, another from 
the Mount of Olives, grass from the valley of Jehosa- 
phat, and from the grave of the mother of Christ. 

There was also a branch of the burning bush, a 
splinter from the rod of Moses, the stem from which 
the staff of Aaron was made, a piece of the veil of 
111 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


the temple, and a piece of the table cloth used at the 
last supper. 

In gold, silver and ivory boxes were a piece of 
the Savior’s cross, several thorns from his crown, and 
a piece of earth upon which had fallen a drop of his 
blood, some of the myrrh, and in a small bottle some 
of the wine that he had made from water at the mar- 
riage in Cana, and crucifixes of gold, silver and ivory 
without number. There were costly boxes, jewelled 
and of artistic workmanship, in which were relics of 
the Virgin Mary, a piece of her dress, her hair, her 
girdle, her sandal, and small images of her. 

“The value of these things cannot be estimated,” 
commented Schonitz, when he had inspected them and 
many others ; it is a pity that every person is not 
privileged to see them.” 

“We will refuse no one, and will give all devo- 
tional ones a remission of their sins,” replied the 
Cardinal. 

“People value only what costs them something, 
your Eminence. If you would prepare indulgence 
letters like those of Tetzel you would have no more 
trouble about money.” 

“Not in that way, my good Schonitz, lest evil 
tongues censure us; but let all devotional ones look 
upon these holy relics, and with pious hearts of¥er up 
their prayers to God the Almighty, and give alms to 
112 


One More Work of Art. 


the archbishopric, and there shall be the washing 
away of their sins. Blessed will be those to take ad- 
vantage of this opportunity.” 

“Your Grace is right; no one could think evil 
of that way, and money will come in rapidly.” 

“God grant that it may be so; think this over 
and help me in the matter. We will open them to 
the public the Sunday after the Virgin Mary’s birth- 
day.” 

Schonitz highly approved of this and they parted, 
Schonitz flattered and charmed with the confidence 
reposed in him, and the Cardinal rejoiced that he had 
found a man every way suited to the undertaking. 



8 


113 


CHAPTER XL 


A LETTER FROM MARTIN LUTHER, 

NE wild stormy night in November, Cardinal 



Albrecht was seated in his cabinet in the 


palace at Halle, and with him were Chan- 


cellor Turk, and Wolfgang Capito. 

Capito was a noble, honorable man, with clear 
head and kind heart; and many things had troubled 
him since von Hutten had been dismissed from the 
court. At heart, he was favorable to Martin Luther, 
whose writings and preachings were changing the 
whole of the Cardinal’s plans for further power and 
authority. 

He realized that the pure gospel was a sealed book 
to his employer, whose heart was set upon the things 
of this world, upon honors, splendor, art, and the 
pleasures of this short life. Capito was a Christian, 
and his prayers were for wisdom and strength to do 
his duty by him to the best of his ability. 

“Do you know what was the amount of the alms- 
offering that the pilgrims paid in yesterday?” the 
Cardinal asked of Chancellor Turk; “it appeared to 
me that there were almost as many pilgrims as upon 
Mary’s birthday.” 

Turk was not one to glory over a scheme of which 


114 


A Letter From Martin Luther. 


he was not the originator, yet was glad to reply, “Over 
sixteen hundred guldens, your Eminence; and if this 
continues we can, in less than a year, sing the Te 
Deum.” 

“We will ! we will !’' exclaimed Albrecht jubi- 
lantly ; “for reports of the wonders of the collection of 
relics have gone far and wide. I saw one company of 
pilgrims who were dusty and weary, looking as if they 
had traveled a great distance.” 

“Yes, your Grace, many of them same from be- 
yond the Rhine, and even from the far eastern parts 
of the kingdom, and all consider the pilgrimage a 
blessing, and are deeply grateful for the privilege of 
seeing the relics and having through them the remis- 
sion of sins.” 

This conversation was so painful to Capito, that 
he asked to be excused — the business for which he 
had been called upon in consultation having been dis- 
cussed and decided upon — and went to his own apart- 
ment. 

“The poor Cardinal !” he said to himself as he 
stood by his window and looked out upon the driving 
rain, “he is light-hearted and knows nothing of the 
dark cloud that is hanging over him. I cannot risk 
telling him, but instead, will do my best to arrest the 
threatened trouble. Early to-morrow morning I will 
set out for the court of Frederick, the Elector of Sax- 
115 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


ony, and consult with Spalatin who may know what 
is best to be done.” 

He carried out this resolution, but when he ar- 
rived at the palace at Torgau, cold and damp, he found 
to his great disappointment that Spalatin had several 
days before accompanied the Elector to Altenburg, 
and would not return until the following day. 

‘Tut my horse in the care of someone, and show 
me to the room of the court-chaplain,” he said to the 
official who had received him at the entrance. 

This was done, and all he could do was to await 
with what patience he could summon, the return of his 
friend. 

The room was warm and comfortable, and there 
was a fine library of good books, but he could not 
settle his mind to read. 

It seemed to him that no time in his life was so 
long as that in which he waited for the arrival of his 
friend ; but at length he came — and alone — and went 
directly to his room. 

“Capito, my dear Capito,” he exclaimed eagerly, 
as he clasped the hand of his visitor, “how glad, how 
very glad I am to see you ; I need your help and ad- 
vice.” 

“As I do yours ; I came because my anxiety in re- 
gard to the Cardinal would not let me remain away. 

I could endure no longer to look into the unconcerned 
116 


A Letter From Martin Luther. 


face of my kind employer, knowing what I know ; 
so have come to you, hoping that you can soften Lu- 
ther.” 

“Then you do not know the man, Luther. What 
he once sees to be right no pleadings nor importuni- 
ties of friends, no power on earth can change him. 
When I first heard of his intention of publishing an 
indictment against Cardinal Albrecht because of his 
new indulgence plan, setting before the whole world 
that the Cardinal should be in the pillory, I wrote to 
him, and with moving words plead with him to aban- 
don the idea. Afterward I wrote, saying that I had 
consulted with my honored master — the Elector 
Frederick of Saxony, who agreed with me that he 
would be running a great risk to attack one who is 
Lord High Chancellor of the German kingdom. Pri- 
mate of the Clergy, the favorite of the Kaiser, the 
preferred one of the pope, and had the good will of the 
other electors and the princes. Moreover, Luther’s 
intended assault upon the relic service, was a personal 
disappointment to my elector, Frederick ; for he, too, 
has a fine collection of relics in the Collegiate church 
in Wittenberg, which he intended showing to pilgrims 
for the remission of sins. Unlike the Cardinal, he did 
not intend to collect alms, but only win adoration of 
the relics. I Vv^rote all this to Luther, but it bore no 
fruit, nor did my explanation, which I made clear to 
117 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


him, that his action against the Cardinal would create 
a suspicion in the minds of the two powerful members 
of the House of Brandenburg — Albrecht and Joa- 
chim — that the Sovereign of Luther’s home province, 
the Elector of Saxony, had foreknowledge of it, and 
sanctioned it. This Dr. Martin Luther is a peculiar 
man ; one cannot measure him by others. He has not 
the least regard for policy, and understands nothing 
of court life. What he has in his heart and conscience 
to do, that he does, and will face the devil, to say noth- 
ing of the princes. And now let me tell you what 
happened. Luther sent to me the paper of impeach- 
ment against Albrecht, that I may pass it into the 
hands of Melanchthon for publication.” 

“For the sake of the Holy Mother !” cried Capito 
in real distress ; “and he sent it to you ! to you !’’ 

“Yes, that is Luther,” replied Spalatin deeply 
moved. “He is great in all things ; therefore great in 
confidence and trust.” 

“And what have you done?” asked Capito almost 
breathlessly. 

“I went in my anxiety to the Elector Frederick, 
and told him all. In great anger he told me to write 
directly to Luther and tell him that under no circum- 
stances should the one who was under his protection 
and sovereignty write against the Cardinal, and thus 
disturb the public peace.” 

iia 


A Letter From Martin Luther. 


“Praise be to God !” exclaimed Capito, with a look 
of intense relief ; “and blessed forever be the Elector 
Frederick. It was not an unmerited title that was 
given him, that of 'Frederick the Wise.’ ” 

“But wait until you hear all,” said Spalatin. “Lu- 
ther gave answer to my letter in which I imagined I 
could hear the sound of his snorting from Wartburg 
to Torgau. I will read it to you : 

He writes: “First of all, I will not tolerate it; 
I would rather lose you, the princes and the whole 
world. I have gone against the pope — who created 
the cardinal — and shall I wilt down before the crea- 
ture he has made? Truly, that is a fine piece of news, 
'the public peace disturbed !’ Will not the Cardinal’s 
everlasting peace of God be disturbed by his ungodly 
traffic? My Spalatin! My Elector! These people 
must be made an example of ; the lambs of Christ must 
be protected from these ravening wolves. Your letter 
does not influence me to make one word of change in 
my indictment. I have instructed Philip Melanchthon 
to make any change that he thinks is needed. Take 
heed that you do not retain the paper, nor give him 
any advice. To give the paper into his hands is all 
that is required of you.” 

“Have you given it to Melanchthon?” asked Cap- 
ito, trembling with anxiety. 

“No; and am asking your opinion.” 

119 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


“Oh, I thank God that it is still in your possession. 
Let Luther fret and storm ; he is safe in his prison and 
must stay there. When his anger cools he will thank 
his friends that through their foresight he was saved 
from a rash and dangerous step. I beseech you, Spal- 
atin, by the blood of Christ, to remain firm and stead- 
fast.'’ 

“I will. Be assured that I rejoice that you ap- 
prove of what I have done to save the archbishopric 
from disgrace.” 

Capito had accomplished his errand, and it was 
now no longer necessary to remain at the palace, and 
after a comfortable luncheon he set out for Halle. 

The day was very cold, and he rode fast to keep 
warm. It was dark when he reached Eilenburg, where 
he remained at an inn one night, and the next morning 
continued his journey. 

He had proceeded some distance and reached a 
cross road, when he met a horseman, a dark looking 
personage with heavy black beard. He wore a dark 
gray doublet, a black leather cap which shaded his eyes, 
and a long sword. 

He gave a penetrating look at Capito, who wore 
the insignia of Cardinal Albrecht, and seemed about 
to make a remark, but changed it to “a greeting to 
you, and passed on. 

“Where have I heard that voice?” said Capito to 
120 


A Letter From Martin Luther. 


himself ; but he could not recall it, and the adventure 
soon passed out of his mind. 

Late that evening the same horseman drew up at 
the dwelling of Professor Nicholas von Amsdorf in 
Wittenberg, and gave a rap upon the door, and when 
bidden to enter, stepped in. 

“A greeting to you, my dear Amsdorf,” said he 
in his full, clear voice, which acted like an electric 
shock upon the professor. 

“Brother Martin!” cried he, but in a suppressed 
voice, “why did you dare the risk of leaving your 
place of concealment?” 

“To see you and others of my friends, and came 
secretly, that I might not compromise the Elector ; 
but come I must, for I have had disagreeable news 
from Wittenberg, and wish you to send a message to 
Kranach, and to Philip Melanchthon that you have a 
visitor who wishes them to come this evening.” 

Amsdorf bolted the door, took Luther’s cap and 
sword, set a red baret upon his head, and gave him a 
chair, then went out and sent a messenger to notify 
the others. 

In less than half an hour the tall form of the Wit- 
tenberg artist and Councillor, Lucas Kranach, entered 
the small room, lighted by a copper lamp. 

“I have complied with your request, Herr 
.121 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


Knight/’ he said courteously, ^'and am glad to make 
your acquaintance.” 

Luther sprang up and laughingly threw his arms 
about him as he exclaimed: ''My friend, my good 
friend !” 

'I recognize your voice if not your face,” said the 
artist grasping Luther’s hand warmly, although feel- 
ing as greatly bewildered at the unexpected visit as 
was Amsdorf. 

They had just taken their seats, when Philip Me- 
lanchthon entered, a thin, pale man, trembling with 
anxiety, for he had a presentiment that the visitor was 
Martin Luther; and knew the tax it would be upon 
himself to quell Luther’s anger when informed that 
one of the reasons of the delay of printing the indict- 
ment against Cardinal Albrecht was that the paper 
had not been put in his hands ; Spalatin had withheld it. 

Luther’s anger flamed high when told this; and 
his three friends strove with all the eloquence they 
possessed, to persuade him to give up his dangerous 
design ; but he would not promise ; the most he would 
do was to delay it, and to this his friends agreed, hop- 
ing much from time. 

This matter settled, these congenial friends con- 
versed until nearly daylight, then Luther mounted his 
horse, and rode away in the darkness in the direction 
of Wartburg Castle. 


122 


A Letter From Martin Luther. 


He was reflecting deeply over his promise to his 
friends in regard to the delay, against which his whole 
nature rebelled, when suddenly a new thought entered 
his mind, his eyes brightened, his whole frame quick- 
ened. “There is yet plenty of ink at Wartburg,” he 
said to himself ; “Cardinal Albrecht, you will soon 
hear from Martin Luther.” 

His reflections bore fruit, for one morning Wolf- 
gang Capito was seated in his own apartment in the 
palace at Halle, deeply interested in a paper he was 
reading when a servant brought him a sealed letter ad- 
dressed to Cardinal Albrecht. 

He recognized the penmanship ; knew it to be a 
letter from Dr. Martin Luther, and he felt the keenest 
anxiety in regard to its contents. In his distress he 
arose and walked to and fro in his apartment, consid- 
ering what were best to be done. He could not believe 
that it was a friendly epistle, but was one similar to 
that sent to Spalatin. Should he deliver it? Would 
it not be doing a real kindness to his employer to with- 
hold it? Should he dare to risk it? He knew well 
that Luther would go to the limit of punishment for 
the second embezzlement of a letter from his hands, 
and would place him with the Cardinal in the pillory. 

Albrecht was at that moment in the congenial em- 
ployment of looking over a bale of costly silk goods, 
and several rolls of expensive carpet which Schonitz 
123 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


was displaying to the best advantage before his admir- 
ing eyes, that he might make choice for the further 
embellishment of his Collegiate church, for the pilgrim 
money was coming in at a highly gratifying rate . 

“Come in, Capito,” he said cheerily, as his secre- 
tary appeared at the door. “I see you have a letter, 
and I hope it contains good news.” 

“The seal upon it has kept me from knowing its 
contents,” replied Capito; “but I think it is from the 
hand of Dr. Martin Luther.” 

“What do you say?” exclaimed Albrecht, “what 
business has the outlaw with me?” 

He took the letter in the tips of his thumb and 
finger and threw it upon the table, and resumed his 
conversation with Schonitz, and Capito returned to 
his own apartment. 

“What has the peasant’s son to say to the prince,” 
the cardinal said to himself, when his selections made 
and Schonitz departed, he took up the letter, of which 
the concluding sentence was, “If this letter is with- 
held from your Grace’s hands by your secretary, it will 
not prevent the publication of my paper. Secretaries 
and advisors should be faithful, and a Cardinal should 
so order his court, that everything that comes should 
be put into his hands. 

“May God give your Electoral Grace his power 
and right feeling and will. “Martin Luther.” 

124 


A Letter From Martin Luther. 


It was with a look of scorn and impatience that 
Albrecht had broken the seal and began to peruse the 
letter ; but as he read, the ruddy color left his face, 
he trembled, a cold moisture stood upon his forehead, 
and the strong man gasped for breath, and almost lost 
consciousness as he sank back in his chair. 

“The insolent outlaw!’' he said to himself after 
somewhat recovering from his stupor. “How dare he 
tell me that I have set up idols in Halle, and that it 
is an unlawful and fraudulent scheme by which to 
deceive the poor, ignorant people? How dare the 
accursed heretic speak in censure to me, as if I were 
the beggar monk and he the prince? A man banned 
by the pope, and outlawed by the emperor and Diet, 
to dare to attack me, — a Cardinal, primate, and Lord 
High Chancellor of Germany! Almighty God, what 
advantage has it been to me that I instigated that edict 
at Worms? And thou, Kaiser Charles! is thy sword 
broken? To dare to advise me to ‘give up my unlaw- 
ful, fraudulent and deceiving scheme that the world 
may see the difference between a bishop and a wolf !“ 

“To dare to threaten to tear the veil from my 
private life that the world might know of my immor- 
ality r 

The Cardinal sat for a long time reflecting and 
battling with himself, but could come to no decision. 
He must have advice. He touched the bell and a valet 
125 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


appeared, by whom he sent word to Capito to come 
to his cabinet. 

“So, it appears that you knew of this matter be- 
fore,” he said sarcastically, as his secretary entered 
and took the seat he usually occupied. 

“I knew that the letter was from Luther,” replied 
Capito in painful embarrassment. 

“He says that if he does not have an answer from 
me within fourteen days, he will publish and send 
abroad in the world a pamphlet he has written expos- 
ing to my shame and disgrace the unlawful and fraud- 
ulent means used here for bringing in money.” 

“And he will do it; woe to those against whom 
his anger burns ; for he knows no fear, and spares no 
one.” 

“What advice do you give?” asked the Cardinal 
harshly. 

“My advice will not please your Eminence, but it 
is the best that I can give. I would advise a courteous 
reply to Luther's letter, that he may not send out that 
pamphlet, which would make a greater disturbance 
and clamor than we can even imagine. You must win 
him to silence.” 

“That is your usual quackery,” commented the 
Cardinal angrily, “you are a success at giving bitter 
pills. Leave me now.” 

Capito was glad to go. “This will not be my 
126 


A Letter From Martin Luther. 


home much longer/' he said to himself. “I will have 
to seek one elsewhere." 

The Cardinal in the meantime sat for a long time 
at his table, and considered the advice of his secretary. 
“It is the only thing left me to do," he said at length; 
and seizing pen and paper he wrote for several min- 
utes rapidly. The letter read: 

“Dear Doctor Luther : — I have read your let- 
ter and am grateful to you for calling to my attention 
the error which moved you to write, and which will 
be discontinued. I will, God helping me, so far as 
he gives me strength and ability, live as should a pious, 
spiritual Christian prince. I know that of myself I 
can do nothing, for I am but a poor simple man, who 
err and sin daily ; that without the grace of God there 
is nothing good in me, and for this will pray earn- 
estly." 

He was about to date his letter, but instead, he 
dropped the pen and reflected. 

‘‘No,” he exclaimed, “I will not encourage the 
insolence of the beggar monk by sending my reply so 
promptly; he shall wait until there is just time for it 
to reach him at the address given, within the fourteen 
days," and again taking up his pen he aflixed the date, 
December 21. 


127 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


Laying the pen aside he arose, wiped the moist- 
ure from his forehead, and went to the window, where 
he stood for a time looking out upon the snow-covered 
ground. He had played the hypocrite in every word 
of his letter ; would Luther be deluded by it ? 

He had been compelled to humble himself, the 
proud man; humble himself to a peasant, who was 
outlawed by the church and state, because he must, 
it being the only way left him to avoid disgrace and 
shame. 

‘‘You have thrown me to the ground, monk,” he 
said to himself, clenching his fist, “but this blow shall 
be no defeat. Do not rejoice, thinking that you have 
triumphed over the Cardinal. I will resume the battle, 
Luther, and the world shall see whether the beggar 
vanquishes the prince, or the prince vanquishes the 
beggar. See, there is the lofty tower of my new 
church, how quickly it has grown! How proudly it 
rears its head aloft I It is an emblem and a prophecy 
of the triumph which the Cardinal will win over the 
Augustinian.” 


128 


CHAPTER XIL 

THE PEASANT'S WAR, 

I T was with heavy hearts that the reflecting people 
of Germany in the year 1525 looked forward to 
an uprising of the peasantry against the tyranny 
and oppression of those above their station in life. 

Astrologers had predicted it, and Luther with his 
clear intelligence had foreseen a sad time of riot and 
bloodshed. 

In speaking of the peasant one must remembei 
that at the present time there are no peasants in Ger- 
many like those of Luther’s time. The great mass of 
them were no more than slaves, a toiling, downtrodden 
people, burden-bearers. They were believed to be in 
the world only for the purpose of working for the 
nobility and for the monasteries, and to keep silent if 
in the wilds of the forest their young grain, or the 
golden ears were trampled down by the hoofs of noble- 
men’s horses in their wild hunting expeditions. 

In 1525 the desperation of the peasants reached 
a climax; and in Swabia there was a league formed 
under the name of “Poor Conrad,” the insignia on 
their banner being a shoe. 

This uprising was so disconnected and void of 
system that it was an easy task for the nobles and 
9 129 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


knights to crush it, and severely punish the insurrec- 
tionists. 

But the fire of revolt was not stamped out of the 
smoldering embers, but burst out in a new flame. 

From Wittenberg the word “freedom” had spread 
through the world. As Luther had defied the pope, 
and the bishops, the emperor and the Diet, and out 
of the ruins of an old belief was building a new and 
better one, so would “Poor Conrad” rise, and build 
freedom for himself according to his own opinion of 
freedom. If the soul could be freed from the slavery 
of bigotry and superstition, the hands could be made 
free from the chains which made existence unbearable. 

In the darkness of night the conspirators gath- 
ered in caves and in thickets, and in secret ways sent 
their correspondence through Franconia, Swabia, 
Thuringia and the Rhinelands, then in time emerged 
from these shadowed places and did not hesitate to 
make their thoughts known. 

Through the villages of Thuringia went Thomas 
Munzer, the Halle schoolmaster and preacher, who 
had conspired against the life of Archbishop Ernest 
of Magdeberg, the predecessor of Albrecht. 

He preached protection for the poor man, that 
no man should be a slave, but all men brothers. He 
proclaimed woe upon the godless oppressors of the 
poor; the Pharaohs, the bloodsuckers, the devils in 
130 


The Peasants War. 


men’s form who looked upon the wails of the poor 
man as his meat and drink. 

The peasants drew up twelve articles which spec- 
ified their demands; among them being the right of 
every church to choose its own minister, who was to 
proclaim the pure gospel; servitude should be abol- 
ished; princes and nobles should not have the exclu- 
sive privilege of hunting and fishing ; ground rent re- 
duced ; a right to cut wood in the forests ; and to give 
as was customary, the tenth of the grain to the sup- 
port of the cloisters, but not the tenth of the cattle. 

The peasants had appealed to Luther for advice 
in regard to these demands, and in the main he con- 
sidered them just, but he condemned their taking the 
law in their own hands, for in Franconia alone, two 
hundred monasteries and castles were destroyed and 
murders were of frequent occurrence. 

On the other hand, he had written warning let- 
ters to the nobility; condemning them for their injus- 
tice and oppression, and pleading for mitigation of 
taxes, tithes, tolls and other burdens imposed upon 
their poor brothers. But the nobility paid no atten- 
tion to it, knowing that Luther being hiniself a peas- 
ant, would naturally sympathize with his own class; 
and the insurgents were more severely punished and 
oppressed, which aroused them to greater fury. 

They stormed the city of Weinsberg, near Stutt- 
131 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg, 


gard, where within the walls many nobles had fled 
for refuge, and all were slain. Two rows of peasants 
with spears pierced them to death as they ran the 
gauntlet; and the leader, the Count von Helfenstein, 
was killed before the eyes of his wife, the daughter 
of the Emperor Maximilian, who was pleading for 
his life. 

At this time of great peril, Luther hastened to 
Eisleben through the districts filled with the insur- 
gents, and did everything in his power to persuade 
them to peace, but his advice was unheeded, and he 
saw that nothing could be done but for the rulers to 
enforce the law against them. In a paper entitled 
“The Peasant Robbers and Murderers” he declared 
that the rebels deserved death because of their perjury 
in breaking their oath of allegiance, and for their cru- 
elty and acts of violence, and also for the reason that 
they made the gospel an excuse for their crimes. 

The companies of peasants had grown to thou- 
sands, and their work of destruction went on, in many 
parts of the empire, much blood flowed and many 
buildings were destroyed. 

Like an ever increasing avalanche the hosts of 
rebels of Swabia and Franconia rushed on to the 
north, to the Saxony lands where no preparation had 
been made in weapons and defences, and in a few days 
fourteen monasteries, and yet more splendid residences 
132 


The Peasant’s War. 


of the nobility lay in ashes, and the earth had drunk 
in streams of men’s blood. 

Luther in this terrible time lost for a moment his 
natural courage, and believed the case to be hopeless. 
But only for a little while, he was again himself, and 
resolved to make one more trial to grasp satan by the 
neck ; to step upon the plane where his dying superiors 
in rank dare not venture. 

He hurried to Mansfeld where the raging, furious 
army of peasants were gathered, and in his trumpet- 
tones called upon them in words of warning to make 
peace. But his powerful voice could not be heard 
above the curses that assailed him, and the cries of, 
“You have abandoned .us ; go back to the noble dogs 
to whom you sold us !” 

The wounded heart of Luther warned him of the 
danger 'of remaining; he returned to his cell and 
prayed and trusted to a Higher Power for the change 
which his weak arm could not help or hinder. 

In Halle, as in other places, there was great 
trouble and anxiety; a gloomy silence reigned in the 
palace of Cardinal Albrecht, for besides the trouble 
and anxiety which pressed upon him on account of his 
debts, the uprising among the peasantry was unsettling 
his archbishopric. 

The insurgents had appeared before Aschaffen- 
burg, and the critical condition of affairs was increased 
133 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


by the fact that the citizens had sided with the peas- 
ants in their demands, and the Cardinal’s vice regent 
could do no less than grant them. 

In the city of Mentz the same had happened. On 
the eve of St. Mark’s day, a great crowd of the citi- 
zens in armor and carrying rifles had demanded the 
key of the city from the alderman, and had freed the 
reformation preacher from the tower. They opened 
all the gates, removed the firearms from the walls and 
put them in the niarket place, then proceeded to the 
archbishop’s palace and demanded its surrender. 

This being refused by the cathedral chapter, they 
stationed themselves and commenced an attack, and 
ceased only when the cathedral chapter agreed to grant 
their requests, and remove their grievances. 

This was the news which had saddened the usu- 
ally light-hearted Cardinal Albrecht, and his nightly 
sleep had fled from him. Of the bridge of ships upon 
which he had walked so proudly, but one solitary 
plank remained, the Magdeburg archbishopric — and 
the avalanche was threatening it and might appear any 
day at Halle. 

“God grant that we may be spared a repetition of 
the happenings at Mentz and Aschaffenburg,” he said 
one evening as he and his chancellor Turk were 
standing on the balcony of the palace, and looking off 
toward the Mansfeld mountains. 

134 


The Peasant's War. 


So far as the eye could reach over the beautiful 
landscape there was nothing to render him distrustful 
in that direction, but from the direction of the city 
there came to the ears of both, a dull, rumbling sound. 

“What is that?” exclaimed the Cardinal in 
affright. “Go, Turk, and enquire; I have no faith in 
these Halle people.” 

Chancellor Turk had turned to go, when one of 
the guards of the palace appeared on the balcony, and 
in terrified tones told of an uprising among the citizens 
of Halle, and great crowds had gathered at several 
points. 

“If your Eminence will only see them and promise 
them what they demand,” he pleaded, “then all trouble 
will be over.” 

The Cardinal waited a moment to collect his 
thoughts, and then telling Turk to follow, he left the 
palace. 

At St. Ulrich’s church they found a great crowd 
gathered, and mounting the steps. Cardinal Albrecht 
addressed them: “What is it?” he asked that has 
weakened your love for me and confidence in me? 
Has the agitation of the times reached you, and caused 
you forget the mild and just rule which I have over 
you?” 

There was a dull murmur throughout the crowd, 
but no answer, and Albrecht quickly added : “Princes 
135 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


are willing to grant the reasonable requests of their 
subjects when these requests are made known; if you 
will put your wishes in writing you will find that a 
just and liberal ruler is over you/ 

No response was made to this, but the Cardinal 
took the silence for consent, and went through the 
streets to the market place where another great crowd 
had gathered, and where he made the same proposi- 
tion with like result, and the same at St. Moritz 
church. 

The next morning a deputation came with ban- 
ners to the palace, and placed their list of requests in 
his hands, of which two were so against his wishes 
that he could scarcely restrain his anger. One was 
that he should remove four of the members of the city 
council from their position and fill the vacancies with 
those who were not hated as were the present incum- 
bents. It was with bitterness and anger in his heart 
that Albrecht agreed to this demand, for the four were, 
he believed, true friends to him. 

The other demand was a still bitterer pill for they 
demanded that the pure Word of God be preached, 
and the Sacrament administered in accordance with 
Christ’s command. 

After these two, the, other requests appeared to 
him of little moment, and he agreed to all. The 
spokesman of the deputation thanked him for his kind- 
136 


The Peasant's War. 


ness and they left in the belief that he would keep 
his promise. 

'‘That is a miserable piece of business,” said Al- 
brecht in a weak and weary voice to Dr. Riihel, his 
new court chaplain and advisor, after the deputation 
had departed. “That accursed heretic, Martin Luther, 
is to blame for it all. He unchained the beasts, and 
war and bloodshed followed.” 

“Your Electoral Grace will pardon me that I do 
not agree with your opinion,” replied Dr. Riihel, in a 
firm tone. “While in some ways Luther may not 
please us, in this case he does not deserve censure. 
Where has been the most riot and bloodshed ? It has 
been in the papish districts; while in Saxony, where 
the pure gospel has been more widely spread than in 
any other part of the country, there has been but little 
disturbance.” 

These were indeed candid and brave words. Dr. 
Riihel was in secret a follower of Luther, but at the 
same time was true and faithful to the Cardinal, and 
it was his hope to bring these two antagonists in har- 
mony with each other. 

“No,” said he as if reflecting, “in Rome is the root 
of the evil over which this kingdom sighs.” 

The Cardinal touched him on the shoulder ; 
“Guard your tongue, my good Riihel,” he said, “silence 
is golden.” 


137 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


“I know it, and now if your Grace does not need 
me, I will go to my apartment and write a letter.” 

The Cardinal waved his hand in acquiescence, 
and sat for a long time in silence and in deep thought 
over his gloomy prospects. 

There were many desperate battles fought be- 
tween the peasants and their oppressors, but at length 
the insurgents were suppressed that same year by their 
temporal and spiritual rulers, and their bondage was 
more severe than before the uprising. 

In June of that year Luther suddenly decided 
upon taking a wife, and married Katharine von Bora, 
one of the nine nuns who had escaped from the con- 
vent of Nimbschen, in the early days of the Reforma- 
tion, and had found a refuge in the home of one of 
Luther’s acquaintances. 

She was of noble but poor family, and her aris- 
tocratic manner had formerly repelled the peasant’s 
son ; but she was alone in the world, he pitied her un- 
provided for position, he offered her his hand and was 
accepted, and they were married, he at the age of 
forty-one, and she twenty-six. 

Their home was the Augustine monastery at Wit- 
tenberg, from whence all the monks had departed, and 
the place reverting to the Elector of Saxony, he gave 
it to Luther for a home. 

Cardinal Albrecht sent the wedded pair twenty 
138 


The Peasant’s War. 


gold guldens as a bridal present, but Luther saw the 
derision implied by the gift and promptly returned it. 

In the great building with its many cells, Luther 
and his “Kathe’' had a happy home; he was a kind, 
genial, affectionate husband, and a good father to their 
three children. There he continued his congenial 
work of translating the Bible — with the help of Me- 
lanchthon, from the original tongue into German, 
which was commenced in 1521, and finished and 
printed in 1534. 



139 


CHAPTER XIIL 


FOLLOWERS OF LUTHER. 

T. BARTHOLOMEW’S Day of August, 1523, 



was a festive one in the city of Halle, for on 


that day the new Collegiate Church was con- 
secrated, and the fondness for pomp and magnificence 
that characterized Cardinal Albrecht was in full evi- 
dence in the proceedings. 

Business houses were closed, the laborers ceased 
working in the fields, the bells of every church in the 
city were ringing jubilantly, and from all directions 
came people in their holiday attire. 

Cardinal Albrecht had spared no expense in beau- 
tifying the edifice, and it was, in the whole bishopric, 
second only to the Cathedral of Magdeburg. 

The consecration was solemn and impressive, and 
when finished the visiting and local dignitaries of the 
church went in procession to the palace and assem- 
bled in the great hall to listen to the address of Car- 
dinal Albrecht. 

In about half an hour he appeared, accompanied 
by his Chancellor, Dr. Turk, and took his place on 
the rostrum. 

He had laid aside his Cardinal’s robes and ap- 


140 


Pollowers of Luther. 


peared in those of the Archbishop. Few there were 
who were of more distinguished appearance than the 
Electoral Archbishop of Mentz and Magdeburg, and 
all eyes rested with pleasure upon his commanding 
form, and the kindly expression upon his handsome 
face; and with no less pleasure did they listen to the 
full rich tones of his voice. 

“We have had a beautiful festival to-day,’’ he 
said, “in honor of the dedication of our new Collegiate 
Church. A beautiful edifice has been erected to the 
glory of God, and it is meet that you, gentlemen of 
the Cathedral Chapters, and of the Collegiate 
Churches, should participate in the ceremony, and all 
the people should lay aside their work in honor of 
this great day. 

“This dedication has a deep significance; as the 
Collegiate Church of Flalle, it shall be a city set 
upon a hill from whence the stream of life of the 
belief of our mother Church shall flow in every direc- 
tion. We will take up the battle against the heretics; 
we will fight them with spiritual weapons. 

“What has the Pope, with his excommunicating, 
and the Kaiser, with his outlawing, accomplished 
against the heretic, Luther. The banned and the out- 
law laughs at his enemies, and grows bolder and more 
defiant. A rioter and seditionist is Martin Luther. 
Why has he won so great a following? Why have 
141 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


so many fallen from the old belief to take up the new ? 
It is because the clergy, through sluggishness and 
ignorance, have buried their talent. It is upon you, 
gentlemen of the Collegiate Church, upon your awak- 
ening to the danger that threatens the old belief, that 
we must depend. 

“Luther, with his wild cry against our mother 
Church, has unfettered the spirits out of the abyss. 
It is the Wittenberger’s boast that he will overthrow 
the old belief and build up the new. 

“As from Wittenberg this revolution has gone 
out, so from the city of Halle shall a reformation in 
our Church go out, which will counteract it. What 
is needed for this is a return to the knowledge pos- 
sessed by the ancient fathers of our Church, who, by 
their holy teaching, spread knowledge abroad, which, 
if now enjoyed, would have prevented this ruinous 
separation which shows us how we have erred. In 
help of this movement I have chosen for our court 
chaplain Magistrate Winkler, who, by his extended 
knowledge, will prove to the followers of Luther that 
they are not the only ones to whom the Scriptures are 
opened. 

“The poison of heresy has infected so many that 
there is no spot in the kingdom where Luther has not 
followers; and with real distress we must acknowl- 
edge that in Nuremberg, under the very eyes of the 
142 


Followers of Luther. 


Imperial Diet, there are followers of that Wittenberg 
child of the devil. 

“Two of our beloved masters of art — Albert 
Diirer and Lucas Kranach — have a secret inclination 
toward Luther, and the Bishop of Bamberg makes 
no concealment of the fact that half of his subjects 
have become followers of Luther. And even Capito, 
my former secretary and advisor, was secretly, and 
is now openly, with Luther ; and I was fostering that 
adder in my bosom. 

“From Bohemia comes the word that the heretic 
weed is flourishing, and the spirit of Huss, which for 
a century has lain dormant, has come to life and makes 
followers of the man of whom Huss prophecied. 
From all over the kingdom comes such news; Ger- 
many is in a tumult, and all that is left us to do is to 
attack heresy with the weapons of spiritual knowledge. 

“May God speak from above his 'y^^ amen' 
upon our good work." 

The Cardinal’s speech was ended and in a little 
while the procession had left the palace and the dedi- 
cation of the new church to the service of God was 
an event of the past. 

It was indeed a happy choice that the Cardinal 
had made in selecting Magistrate George Winkler for 
his court chaplain, for no one could have given such 
satisfaction to the people. 

143 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


The dignity of his manner, his mildness and 
friendliness, his extended knowledge, and his elo- 
quence, — not shown by high sounding words — 
went to the hearts of the people and found a home 
there. 

The Cardinal had impressed upon him the neces- 
sity of being entirely familiar with the Scriptures, in 
order to prove that the Bible was an open book to 
others besides Martin Luther. Winkler obeyed the 
request, and in doing so a great unrest came into his 
soul. As he read, stone after stone was removed from 
the building of his belief; the Scriptures had opened 
to him a new world of faith and practice, and present- 
ly the question faced him, ‘‘Can it be possible that 
Luther is right? If Luther’s teaching is truth then 
woe to me; I am called upon to testify against him.” 

He obtained secretly Luther’s writings and read 
them with eager attention. But now his difficulties 
were increased, for c6uld he disprove and refute the 
teachings he believed to be true? 

He took this anxiety of mind to the altar with 
him; he preached with more fiery zeal, and greater 
and greater grew the crowds that came to listen. One 
after another of the seals of the sacred writings were 
broken with gentle hand, so that his hearers went step 
by step with him to the knowledge of the truth on the 
same ground that was trodden by Luther, without 
144 


Followers of Luther. 


hearing his name or knowing that in the church at 
Wittenberg the preaching had the same foundation. 

It was with supreme satisfaction that Cardinal 
Albrecht, while at the Imperial Diet at Nuremberg, 
heard of the great success of his court preacher, and 
with every opportunity sent cordial congratulations. 

But not so well satisfied were the priests in the 
other churches and chapels of Halle, for their places 
of worship were nearly emptied, while there was no 
room in the Collegiate Church for more, and finally 
a messenger went to Nuremberg to tell the Cardinal 
the true state of the case as they viewed it. 

They informed him that “Winkler was a wolf in 
sheep’s clothing, and was not testifying against Luther. 
He preached as a heretic would preach, but his words 
were so deftly used that one could not find a special 
place to condemn him, and as another proof against 
him many known followers of Luther were among 
his hearers. 

The Cardinal listened, but gave but little heed; 
he believed that the report originated in the jealousy 
of the other priests, therefore sent no word of censure, 
but promised to see to the matter upon his return to 
Halle. 

The people almost idolized the court preacher, 
but the higher he arose in their estimation the greater 
was his dissatisfaction with himself. He knew that 
145 


10 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


he was preaching Luther’s doctrine, but was not giv- 
ing the people the full clear knowledge as did that 
apostle of truth. He felt that it was hypocrisy in him 
to thus veil the truth, and thereby deceive the people. 
Why was he such a coward? Why not present the 
pure gospel, though under the very eyes of inquisi- 
tors? Why speak with double tongue? Lord help 
me !” he cried, “give me strength to speak with open 
visor.” 

So it went on, day after day, and night after 
night ; he could not overcome his anxiety in regard 
to breaking the oath which he had taken when ac- 
cepting the office of court preacher — “I promise to 
support and protect the Holy Church.” How have I 
kept the vow? How can I answer to the man who 
put such confidence in me?” 

One morning he arose from his bed after a 
sleepless night. He had made a decision once for all ; 
his weakness was past; he had found his true self. 
From Rome had come the spoiling, from Wittemberg 
the healing. 

“Luther is the man who in God’s name, out of 
the old Church has erected the new. Now, I will give 
the people the clear wine of the Lord. I will speak 
no more in enigmas; they shall hear that Luther is 
not a heretic, but a prophet of the truth.” 

A heavy burden was lifted from his heart; his 
146 


Follozvers of Luther. 


eyes beamed, his whole nature seemed changed, and 
when he ascended the pulpit his text was, “Arise and 
walk ; thy faith has made thee whole.” 

Before that great assemblage he, for the first 
time, spoke the name of Luther, and there was a rust- 
ling like dry leaves in a strong wind ; and then he con- 
tinued with the words of Christ, “Father forgive them, 
they know not v/hat they do,” and added, “Those 
who curse Luther know him not, for those who know 
him must bless him.” 

^^Thank God that you had the courage to speak 
the whole truth, even if you must go the way of the 
martyrs,” whispered an old man among the listeners, 
and there were many who echoed the prayer. 

The people whom he passed on his way to the 
palace gazed after him with sadness, mingled with 
admiration ; but only Chancellor Turk spoke his mind. 

“What have you done. Magistrate Winkler?” he 
said, anxiously, “what have you done?” 

“What my conscience bade me.” 

“But your oath?” 

“I have kept it to the full this day.” 

The Chancellor stepped back and gazed at him 
in astonishment. 

“In a little while the Cardinal will return from 
Nuremberg,” he said, “how will you stand before 
him ?” 


147 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


“If God is for me who can be against me?” said 
Winkler, with beaming eyes, 

“How do you know that God is for you?” 

“I know it as surely as I know my name. He 
who heard God’s voice, and feels in himself the pres- 
ence and strength of God, has nothing to fear if the 
whole world be against him.” 

Late in October the Cardinal returned from Halle 
and the next morning he and his court chaplain had 
a long conversation in the privacy of his cabinet. 

What was said no one knew, they ohly knew that 
Winkler’s place in the altar was filled by another, and 
the Collegiate Church knew him no more. 

But although dismissed from that service he con- 
tinued to preach the pure gospel, and the cloisters 
emptied themselves to furnish him great audiences in 
the market place, and it was a sweet drop in his cup 
of joy that some of the official members of the Col- 
legiate Church stood to hear him. 

Several months passed and one lovely summer 
evening there was a great crowd of the citizens of 
Halle gathered in and about the dwelling of Magis- 
trate Winkler. 

The entrance was decorated with vines and flow- 
ers; roses and lilies adorned the rooms, and every- 
thing gave token of a festival, for Magistrate Winkler 
had broken the last tie that bound him to the old be- 
148 


Followers of Luther. 


lief, had cast aside the vow of celibacy, and that even- 
ing had brought to his home his fair young bride. 

Adelheid Winkler was a member of the old no- 
bility ; was lovely in person and character, and was a 
true believer in the pure gospel; and the listeners to 
her husband’s preaching had come in the joy of their 
hearts to bid her welcome to Halle. 

It seemed that this change in his life had at- 
tached the people more closely to him; the crowds 
that came to hear him preach grew constantly greater, 
his conscience approved of his work and his home life 
was one of sweet contentment. . 

Not only in the homes of Halle but in public 
places the subject of his preaching was eagerly dis- 
cussed. He had instructed his great audience to study 
the writings of the early fathers, knowing that through 
them they would be lead to the study of the Holy 
Scriptures. 

But one night before the end of that beautiful 
summer he could not close his eyes in sleep, his heart 
was filled with great unrest, and many oppressive 
thoughts filled his mind. 

Cardinal Albrecht and the Cathedral Chapter had 
gone to Aschaffenburg, where in the Archbishop’s 
palace a council was convened, and he was cited to 
be present. 


149 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenbnrg. 


What was the significance of this request ; could 
the friendliness be a mask? 

Toward morning he slept, and toward noon set 
out with his servant for Aschaffenbnrg, where he was 
cordially received, and in the cheerful friendly hours 
of converse that followed was ashamed of his sus- 
picions, and the burden was lifted from his heart. 

He was about to return the following day to 
Halle, but was pressed to remain longer ; and when 
he spoke of the anxiety of his wife if he did not 
return when expected, his objection to remain was 
overruled ; his servant — Nicholas — could go in ad- 
vance and announce his coming, and one of the ser- 
vants of the Cardinal should accompany him later. 

It was with surprise and consternation that Nich- 
olas heard that he was to return alone to Halle. 

“Dear master, let me stay and go with you,” 
he said, anxiously. , 

“Are you afraid to go alone, Nicholas?” 

“No, I am fearful only for you.” 

“Do not be anxious about me. the Cardinal’s 
servant is to go with me.” 

“But he is not Nicholas; oh, dear master, let me 
stay.” 

“Be comforted, my faithful, good Nicholas, all 
will be well with me; go now and tell my wife that 
I am coming.” 


150 


Follozvers of Luther. 


Two days later Winkler rode away from the 
Archbishop’s castle, followed by one of the Cardinal’s 
servants. 

Although it was a warm day Winkler rode fast, 
and the servant mentally cursed his haste. 

At noon they reached a small inn, where they 
halted for a short rest and refreshment, then proceed- 
ed on their way, and toward evening the servant sug- 
gested that as there was no inn within many miles they 
should pass the night in the cottage of a forester of 
his acquaintance. 

‘T, too, have a place in view,” replied Winkler. 
“On -my way to Aschatfenburg I called to see a friend 
who invited me to pass the night with him on my way 
back; we will go there.” 

The servant made no reply, but appeared so dis- 
pleased that Winkler thought it wiser to give up his 
intention, and instead, go with the servant to his 
friend’s cottage. 

The moon was at its full, but in the depths of 
the forest where they then were, its light was dimmed, 
and although he heard the sound of horse’s hoofs the 
horsemen were close beside him before he could dis- 
cern them. 

“The just God has at last brought you to pun- 
ishment, you accursed heretic,” said a voice beside him, 
151 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


and the points of three swords pierced the heart of 
the martyr. 

“May God be merciful to my murderers/’ said 
the dying man as he fell from his horse to the ground. 

In a few minutes all was still; the servant had 
departed with the three horsemen, the moon looked 
down through a space between the tree tops, and in 
the soft night wind their leaves whispered a requiem 
over the dead. 

The news of the martyr death of Magistrate 
Winkler filled the city of Halle with grief, and deep 
sympathy was felt for the young widow. 

Those who had been won to the true faith by 
his preaching felt that they had lost their guiding 
star; and knowing this, Luther wrote them a letter 
of comfort. 

It was read one evening in the basement of the 
City Hall to a large gathering of men, women and 
children, the concluding words being a reminder that 
their beloved friend had followed Christ in his death, 
as in his life, having died the death of the martyr. 


162 


CHAPTER XIV. 


AT AUGSBURG. 


ARDINAL ALBRECHT had been absent from 



Halle nearly two years, and during that time 


there had been two meetings of the Imperial 


Diet, the first at Spires, in 1529, and the other at 
Augsburg the following year. 

The Emperor, Charles V., had called the Diet at 
Spires for the purpose of checking the progress of 
the Reformation, and there were many and vigorous 
impositions brought forward by the Catholic princes. 
But the princes who were followers of Luther pro- 
tested strongly against them in writing, and the docu- 
ment was signed by the Electoral Prince, John of 
Saxony, the Landgrave Philip of Hesse, the Margrave 
George of Brandenburg, the Prince Wolfgang of An- 
halt, and both Dukes of Lunenburg. 

It was there and then that the name Protestant 
was given in contradistinction to Catholic. Enemies 
of the Reformation gave it that name in derision, but 
the protesting members looked upon it as an honor. 

The Emperor wished an explanation of their be- 
lief, and the Elector Frederick of Saxony immedi- 
ately requested the theologians from Torgau to pre- 


153 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


pare a full explanation of the Lutheran belief in writ- 
ing. 

This was done in a clear, forcible manner by 
Philip Melanchthon, and on the 25th day of June it 
was read to all the members of the Diet, not in their 
great hall, but in the chapter room of the Archbishop’s 
palace, into which they were crowded. The saxony 
chancellors — Doctor Beier and Doctor Briick — stood 
before the shrine, each with a copy of the confession 
of faith in hand, one of them written in German, the 
other in Latin. 

The Emperor expressed a preference that the 
Latin one should be read, but the Elector Frederick 
of Saxony, with his usual frankness, said, “Upon Ger- 
man soil we should use the German tongue,” and the 
paper in that language was read. 

In perfect silence every member listened and heard 
the pure gospel explained in its clear, true light by 
the spiritual-minded Melanchthon, and were at heart 
surprised that they had so misjudged it. One of 
them — Count William of Nassau — formally ac- 
knowledged that he was on the Protestant side, and 
the followers of Luther felt their cause strengthened. 

In the document read, there was not the least 
evidence of treason to the Kaiser or to the Govern- 
ment; the followers of Luther were loyal subjects of 
His Majesty in obedience to God’s Word. 

154 


At Augsburg. 


Their confession of faith was something under- 
stood by all, and having been read at Augsburg it 
won the name of “The Augsburg Confession/' 

Martin Luther was staying at Castle Coburg 
during this time watching the progress of events, 
and encouraging Melanchthon, who was of timid, 
nervous disposition. 

It was a joyous time to the followers of Luther; 
the belief of the peasant monk had been read to that 
august body of brilliant men, and in the Evangelical 
Church, in the streets and market places happy voices 
sang Luther’s battle hymn of the Reformation — ''Ein 
\fesfe Burg ist unser Gott/' 

The day that Cardinal Albrecht reached home 
after the meeting of the Diet of Augsburg was a festal 
one in Halle. To his great surprise, a long proces- 
sion came out to meet him, something that in later 
years had not been done; the city bells were ringing 
jubilantly, and at the palace, the alderman and the 
members of the City Council had gathered, and pre- 
sented to him a gold vase in which were four hundred 
gold guldens. 

He was so astonished that he could scarcely 
speak his thanks, and could not avoid looking with 
questioning glances at the donors. The moment he 
was alone with Chancellor Turk he asked the reason 
for this demonstration. 


155 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


“With a bait of cheese one catches a mouse,” re- 
plied Turk; “with a bowl of money they hope to re- 
strain the just anger of your Highness. It is a case 
of troubled conscience. During your absence heresy 
has made rapid progress, and it will require your 
severest measures to bring the apostates back to the 
mother Church.” 

“Which they will receive,” responded Albrecht. 
“Write at once the commands that I dictate, and sum- 
mon all the twelve councilnien to the palace to-morrow 
morning in order to hear the reading of the paper.” 

This was done, and the twelve appeared at the 
hour appointed and listened attentively as Turk read: 
“His Electoral Grace thanks you for your gift, yet it 
has surprised and troubled him to hear that you are 
inclined to wander from the true belief. He hopes 
that he will see you all ^t the altar of the Collegiate 
Church at Easter, where he will, in person, administer 
the sacrament according to our most holy Church, 
and not in the unchristian-like manner as do the here- 
tics. Not one of you should be absent, thus setting 
the people a good example. Such will not only be 
to the good of your souls, but also to your temporal 
profit, for punishment will follow disobedience.” 

Easter Sunday came, a beautiful spring day, and 
in a long procession the chapter, the monks, nuns and 
citizens, headed by the Cardinal, wended its way to 
156 


At. Augsburg. 


the Collegiate Church, and during the administration 
of the sacrament he noticed that only four of the coun- 
cilmen were present, the other eight were not in the 
church. 

The next evening at the palace the Cardinal was 
engaged in private conversation with Leonis, the city 
syndic. This man had partaken of the communion 
in both forms, and in consequence had fallen under 
the Cardinal’s displeasure; but on Easter Sunday he 
had taken it according to the old belief. 

‘Tt has given me much pleasure,” remarked the 
Cardinal, “that you have thrown off the shackles of 
heresy and have returned to the holy Church. This 
shall not go unrewarded. Besides appointing you head 
master of the salt works, which I have already done, 
I intend giving you the position of Chief Councillor.” 

“I thank your Electoral Grace,” replied the syn- 
dic, “but the other councilmen will object; it is 
against the law for the master of the salt works to 
be the Chief Councillor.” 

“The will of the ruler stands above the law,” ex- 
claimed Albrecht, angrily; “the councilmen shall see 
who is ruler.” 

The next day an official sent by the Cardinal ap- 
peared at nine o’clock in the morning, on the balcony 
of the City Hall, and announced that in case of heretic 
157 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


councillors he would act in accordance with the Edict 
of Worms. 

There was great excitement and confusion among 
the people upon hearing this, and here and there were 
heard threats, and a stone was thrown against one 
of the pillars of the balcony, and the official, seeing 
that he was in danger, made an abrupt departure by 
a secret way, piloted by one of the attendants of the 
Council. 

That evening Schonitz, who had been the Car- 
dinal’s chamberlain for some time, asked to have audi- 
ence with him. He had just returned from Nurem- 
berg, where he had been sent by the Cardinal to bor- 
row money for him from the Jews there. 

Everything had gone wrong with the Cardinal 
in the past two years. In the battle with Luther he 
had met with defeat after defeat. He had built a 
university, at great expense, for the purpose 'of at- 
tracting the students' from Wittenberg, which he con- 
sidered the brooding nest of heresy, to Halle; but it 
had been a failure. 

The most influential men in Halle believed in 
the Reformation; his enemies were increasing daily, 
and his commands were frequently unnoticed. 

Schonitz, to whom he owed nearly ninety-thou- 
sand guldens, had asked several times to be released 
from his service that he might return to his former oc- 
158 


At Augsburg. 


cupation, that of a traveling merchant, but the Car- 
dinal had every faith in his fidelity and would not re- 
lease him. 

“Well, Schonitz, what success with the Jews?” 
he asked, as the young man was shown in. 

“I succeeded in getting the money, but it was 
from a Jew who asked a ruinous usury.” 

The Cardinal blazed out upon the sons of Israel, 
upon whom he looked as plagues of the land, and 
after a little more conversation upon the subject, 
Schonitz asked to make a request. 

“Speak, Schonitz, I am ready to hear it,“ re- 
plied the Cardinal, graciously. 

“It is nothing new that I have to ask your Elec- 
toral Grace,” replied Schonitz, timidly, “for I have 
frequently asked it; it is only to release me from the 
office of treasurer. Do not let me ask in vain, I really 
cannot longer attend to your financial afifairs.” 

“Then I have, after all, been deceived in you, 
have I, Schonitz?” said the Cardinal, coldly. “I really 
thought you were my friend, were true to me, and 
would not think of abandoning me, just when I have 
most need of you. What has stirred you up now to 
make known your dissatisfaction?” 

“The business is so complicated, the debts so 
great, and I cannot see my way clear. I have asked 
your Highness many times to examine into the ac- 
159 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


counts that I may be released of some of the respon- 
sibility, but you have not done so. And forgive me, 
your Highness, but I must tell you that people say, 
^‘look out for yourself, Schonitz, when the break 
comes, the Cardinal will put all the blame upon you.” 

^‘Who said that?” cried Albrecht, in flaming an- 
ger ; “it is a malicious lie ! Be a friend to me, Schon- 
itz, and I will prove a friend and shield to you. Ah, 
it is in our need that we find who are our real friends ! 
I have put confidence in you, do not betray my con- 
fidence, and in return you may rely in every way upon 
my friendship.” 

These words allayed the anxiety of Schonitz ; 
he resolved to say nothing more in regard to giving 
up his position as chamberlain, but would wait, hop- 
ing that time would adjust matters. 

The heretic members of the City Council had 
been removed by the command of Albrecht from 
their positions and new members appointed to fill their 
places. One Saturday morning an official appeared 
at the City Hall and read to the assembled councilmen 
that it was the Cardinal’s command that at every 
future communion they should partake of it according 
to the Romish form, and not after the manner of the 
heretics. 

A deep silence reigned for a moment in the coun- 
160 


At Augsburg. 


cil room; the Catholic members glanced at the others 
and waited for them to speak. 

At length one of the followers of Luther arose 
and said: “In all things that are right we will serve 
his Electoral Grace, but we must answer to God for 
going against our conscience. I declare this for my- 
self, the others can speak for themselves.’’ 

“You have said what we all agree to,” responded 
the Lutheran members, with the exception of one, who 
arose and said : “I have not taken the communion in 
any form for six years, but as his Electoral Grace 
wishes it, I will receive it in the Romish form.” 

“You .will not have occasion to rue that opinion,” 
commented the official, graciously, as he left the 
council chamber. 

Time passed, and as no word had come from the 
palace, the councilmen, and the whole city of Halle 
began to believe that the subject had been dropped, 
but one morning the new syndic — Doctor Gossman — 
came to the council room with a command from the 
Cardinal which he read: “His Princely Grace has 
in charge the souls of his people, and must be answer- 
able to God more than to men. But he must not act 
against the conscience of his people; for that reason 
they must go where they can be free to act in accord- 
ance with their belief. But the Cardinal must also 
be free to act according to his conscience, and while 
11 161 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


he would willingly have you remain in your homes 
with your wives and children, he cannot answer to 
God if he permits it. Now, the heretic members of 
the council can go to the room below and consult 
together as to what course they will take.’^ 

The Lutherans obeyed, and the moment they 
reached the place they stood and looked at each other 
in dazed amazement. 

“He was then really in earnest,’' said one mem- 
ber, breaking the sad silence ; “we must recant or suf- 
fer banishment. We must leave our homes, where 
we have lived from childhood, leave our wives and 
children. Truly Albrecht knows how to tread upon 
the hearts of his people. Hear then my men, will 
we shrink from the punishment? Will we return to 
the old belief or will we take up our cross?” 

“We will take up our cross,” they responded, 
fully and heartily, and with speedy footsteps they re- 
turned to the council chamber, and the foreman spoke 
for himself and for the others. “Because we know 
and believe the teachings of Martin Luther to be the 
true Word of God we will not in any way swerve from 
it; we will not deny our Savior.” 

“Then,” answered Doctor Gossman, “since this 
is your resolve it is the Cardinal’s command that be- 
tween this time and Whitsuntide you leave your homes 
and the city. 


162 


At Augsburg. 


“Yet he is merciful, and will give you one more 
chance. If you will take the next communion in the 
Romish manner he will be gracious and forgive, and 
you can keep your positions as councilmen.'^ 

There was no response to this, the conference 
was over, the banished men took their homeward way. 

The news spread rapidly through the city, and 
the people did not hesitate to say that Albrecht was 
a tyrant. 

“So, I am a tyrant, am I,’' thundered the Car- 
dinal, when told this ; “then I will let them know who 
is master here. The time of negotiation and inter- 
cession is now gone ; I will show them grace no longer ; 
the heretics and rebels shall see what their decision 
has brought them.'^ 

A few days after the banished men were informed 
that not only they were to leave the city, but also their 
wives and children were to go with them. 

This in one sense of the word was a mitigation 
of the punishment, for their sorrows were lightened 
by not having to suffer separation, while on the other 
hand the punishment was greater for the reason that 
they were compelled to sell all that belonged to them ; 
which, if not sold, they might sometime have returned 
to, had wife and children been allowed to remain. 

The Elector of Saxony and the Prince Wolfgang 
of Anhalt interested themselves personally in behalf 
163 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


of the condemned men and their families, but Al- 
brecht’s one reply was, “let them recant and then we 
will see what can be done.” 

One of the banished men — Lorenz Faust — 
came secretly back to Halle, was penitent and recant- 
ed, and after being severely beaten with rods he was 
received into favor by the Cardinal, but the others 
remained faithful to their convictions of what was 
the true gospel. 


164 


CHAPTER XV. 

CALLED UPON FOR A RECKONING. 

T 7 E cannot go a step further, von Schon- 
\ /\ / itz,” remarked Cardinal Albrecht one 
▼ ▼ day in August of the same year, “we 

must ask for a new land tax. “Michael, the Jew, 
declares that he must have the money back that he 
loaned us, although we know that he cannot possibly 
get higher interest for it than we are giving. The 
Count of Mansfeld and the Margrave of Branden- 
burg are pressing us severely, and we cannot put them 
off much longer.” 

“When the members of the land office see me 
they turn away their heads,” said von Schonitz, in 
painful embarrassment. “It is a disagreeable task 
for me to ask it, your Highness, but I know that it 
is unavoidable. But I pray your Electoral Grace to 
give me written authority to ask it.” 

“I will certainly, Schonitz, and I hope you will 
go immediately and have good luck ;” and he went to 
his desk, wrote the order and gave it into the hand of 
his chamberlain, who lost no time in setting out upon 
his errand. 

The members of the land office of the Arch- 
bishopric of Magdeburg were in session and en- 
165 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


gaged in the discussion of many matters when von 
Schonitz entered and waited his opportunity to speak. 

'‘In the interest of his Electoral Grace, Cardinal 
Albrecht, I have brought a paper for your kind con- 
sideration,” he said, taking it from his pocket and 
putting it in the hand of the presiding officer, who 
read it. 

"We all have good reason to know what his re- 
quest is,” he remarked to his associates, "for we have 
heard the same litany for years. Of course it is a 
request from his Eminence for a new tax to be laid 
upon the people ; what do you say to it, gentlemen ?” 

The members put their heads together and spoke 
in a low tone, shook their heads and frowned, and at 
length one of them — Herr von Hamersleben — arose 
and said : "It is my opinion that a new tax should 
not be asked for by his Eminence until a full and clear 
account of the expenditures from the money accruing 
from the last two land taxes be laid before us.” 

The moment that he resumed his seat another 
member arose to say that von Hamersleben had given 
voice to his opinion, then a third and a fourth, 
whereupon the president put the matter to vote, and 
it was unanimously agreed that no tax should be 
imposed upon the people until there was an exact 
explanation of the use made of the others by the 
Cardinal. 


166 


Called Upon for a Reckoning. 


With a heavy heart von Schonitz left the hall; the 
prospects of adjusting the accounts was dark before 
his eyes. How could he make anything out of that 
confusion? What could he say that would prevent 
Cardinal Albrecht from being condemned to the pil- 
lory? Dare he tell the land officers that much of the 
money accruing from the land taxes went toward 
the decorating of the palace and in expensive gifts? 
Could he tell of the great sum used to bring a singer 
from Italy to the palace ? Could he sum up the lavish 
expenditures for the kitchen and the wine cellar ? 
‘'Can I do any of this without violating the confidence 
reposed in me?” said poor von Schonitz to himself. 
“But if I am silent the new tax will be refused, leav- 
ing the Cardinal in terrible need. Shall I lie? No, 
let what will come I cannot bring that burden on my 
soul. Oh, God, my heart is so heavy, so filled with 
trouble, and there is no one to whom I can unburden 
it, not even to my wife. Oh, that I had never entered 
the services of the Cardinal! Oh that we were away 
from it all!” 

The evening of that day the Cardinal walked 
with a heart filled with anxious thought to and fro in 
his private cabinet. His face was flushed and great 
drops of moisture stood upon his forehead. He was 
in great terror at the turn of aflfairs. To send in a 
reckoning of his expenditures and let the world know 
167 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


what had been done with the great sums of money 
paid into his hands would ruin him. He saw nothing 
in the future but disgrace ; he saw himself a lost man. 
Luther came into his mind, and the color left his face 
as his disturbed imagination led him to believe that 
he could hear his mocking laughter. 

He sank upon a settle and reflected; then sprang 
up, a dangerous gleam in his eyes. “Schonitz or Car- 
dinal Albrecht !” he said to himself, “there is no other 
way. It must be! Schonitz you are in peril! I am 

sorry for you, for you were true and faithful to me. 

You have done all you could, and there remains but 
one last favor to do for your master; you must save 
him from disgrace! You must take all upon your 
own shoulders. I am sorry for you Schonitz, but I 

must look out for myself. If I am to remain Car- 
dinal you must ’’ 

He did not finish the sentence and an ice cold 
moisture was upon his forehead. 

The next Saturday, at the request of Cardinal 
Albrecht, there was a committee sent from the land 
office for the purpose of examining into the accounts, 
and note the use made of the funds resulting from 
the two land taxes. 

The Cardinal was his usual genial self, was 
gracious and friendly, and appeared to be entirely 
satisfied that the investigation would be satisfactory 
168 


Called Upon for a Reckoning. 


to all parties. He made a hospitable host at the well 
spread table prepared for his guests, ate and drank 
and was the merriest of the merry. 

When the meal was finished and the committee 
was ready for business Herr von Hamersleben asked 
that von Schonitz should be summoned. This was 
a shock to the Cardinal, but he managed to conceal 
his alarm and went out himself to have him sum- 
moned instead of ringing for a servant, and in a 
short time they came in together. 

The ordeal of examining the accounts was not 
so painful as the Cardinal had feared ; the committee 
was very lenient and considerate owing partly to the 
choice roast of venison with its accompaniments and 
the abundance of malmsey. 

But the deeper they went into the accounts the 
greater grew the confusion, but the elastic conscience 
of the Cardinal could explain away many expendi- 
tures until at length fifty-three thousand guldens were 
all that remained which could not be accounted for; 
that sum was missing. 

The Cardinal gave a meaning glance at von 
Schonitz, who understood it and kept silent, and as 
it could not be accounted for the committee excused 
von Schonitz for the time, and glad to be released he 
left the palace. 

“Thank God,” he said to himself, as he hurried 
169 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


home, “it has not been so terrible as I feared. “There 
will be no account made of the paltry fifty-three thou- 
sand guldens when we have disposed of millions, and 
I have the word of the Cardinal that he will stand 
by me.” 

The chamberlain was happier that night than he 
had been for months; he was cheerful with his wife 
and playful with the children, and they had a happy 
evening together. 

The next day was a holiday and he and his fam- 
ily went in their carriage, with their two milk white 
horses, and their trusty old servant Daniel for driver, 
out to the country for the day, where they roamed 
in the woods, gathered flowers, ate their good lunch- 
eon in the shade of the trees, and returned to Halle 
in the evening with keen appetites for supper. 

They had scarcely finished when they heard foot- 
steps upon the porch, and the bailiff of Giebichenstein 
appeared, and with him three servants of the Cardinal 
in the livery of the palace. 

“Do not be disturbed, Herr von Schonitz,” said 
the officer, “I have, it is true, come to imprison you 
in the castle of Giebichenstein, but I assure you that 
such arrest is not against you, but only for your own 
safety.” 

“But I cannot understand it,” exclaimed Schon- 
170 


Called Upon for a Reckoning. 


itz. “Who ordered my arrest? Was it the commit- 
tee of the land office?'' 

“No, it was Cardinal Albrecht, in his faithful care 
of you. He is having you put in a safe place for a 
time, as did the Elector of Saxony conceal Martin 
Luther for his own protection." 

The poor man saw it was useless to resist; he 
went to his wife, who was leaning back in her chair 
in an almost unconscious condition, and laying his 
hand upon her head he said tenderly: “Be comfort- 
ed, Magdalena, if his Electoral Grace thinks it better 
for me, I know he is right. He kissed her and the 
children and left the house with the officer and the 
servants. 

There was great excitement the next day in 
Halle when the news of the arrest of Herr von 
Schonitz was spread abroad. People were almost be- 
wildered at hearing it, for it was the opinion of all 
that the chamberlain stood as firmly in the favor of 
Albrecht as did the palace upon its foundations. What 
could have occurred to make such a break in the 
friendship? 

The relatives of von Schonitz, accompanied by 
two doctors of the law, went to the palace and plead 
with the Cardinal to allow him to be imprisoned in 
his own home instead of suffering the shame and dis- 
171 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


grace of a dungeon, and they would furnish any 
amount of security that he required. 

Albrecht listened very ungraciously, and replied 
that the case must run its natural course. If the im- 
prisoned man was innocent, his innocence would be 
proved ; and no security was required, saying which 
he left them and returned to his cabinet. 

As soon as the relatives were out of the palace 
they gave vent to their anger and indignation, and all 
they said was repeated to the Cardinal by his valet. 
He made no reply, nor did he make response to the 
messages sent by the Count von Mansfeld and the 
Count von Barby, who interceded for the unfortunate 
chamberlain and asked for his release. 

This intercession only served to strengthen the 
fears of Albrecht; he knew the need of keeping his 
former treasurer out of sight, and gave strict orders 
that no one should be admitted to his dungeon ex- 
cept those in charge of him. 

At the palace life went on as before ; guests came 
and went constantly; plans for amusement was the 
subject of most interest; the Cardinal was not willing 
to be alone. Solitude and silence were to him, in 
his condition, unbearable, and although the festive days 
went far into the night, the nights were far too long, 
for he could not sleep. While others could sleep all 
the hours of night and awake refreshed for the daily 
172 


Called Upon for a Reckoning. 


work, his conscience did not provide for him a pillow 
of down. 

There was another who could not sleep the night 
hours away, for in the darkness of his dungeon he 
could not distinguish night from day. The walls of 
his narrow cell were close to him; his bed was damp 
straw. It was torture to one of his active nature to 
sit or lie the long hours away, not knowing if the sun 
was shining or the rain falling. He longed to write 
to his wife, but pen, ink and paper were denied him; 
he must have no communication with the outside 
world. 

In the beginning of his imprisonment one star of 
hope kept him from despair, “the Cardinal is my 
friend ; he will keep his promise to protect me.’’ 

One day his dungeon door was opened and one 
of the minions of Cardinal Albrecht appeared, and 
with artful words tried to get him to certify to some 
explanation in regard to the expenditure of the fifty- 
three thousand guldens that would place the Cardinal 
in a good light before the committee of the land office. 

But von Schonitz was innocent of embezzling the 
money, and he could not say that he was guilty; he 
was silent as when in the presence of the committee, 
at the command of Albrecht. 

A few days after, the man again appeared, and 
advised him to write a letter to the Cardinal asking 
173 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


for pardon and liberty. But von Schonitz knew that 
this would incriminate himself, as it would in a man- 
ner be an acknowledgment of guilt, and he refused 
to comply. 

In the meantime, through the help of one of his 
attendants, von Schonitz found a way to communicate 
with his wife, and a short time after a man appeared 
before the shrine of the room in which the Romish Diet 
was assembled and asked to make charge against one 
of the princes of the kingdom. It was Anton von 
Schonitz, brother of the imprisoned man. 

“What is your charge, and against whom is it 
rnade?” asked the presiding officer, when the time 
came to hear his plea. 

“My charge is against the Cardinal Albrecht of 
Brandenburg,” he said, in a clear, calm voice, “and 
I am striving for the help of the just against the un- 
just,” and then he told the whole story of the unjust 
and cruel imprisoiiment of a man whose only fault 
had been his faithfulness to a faithless employer. 

Two days later Cardinal Albrecht, in great dis- 
tress of mind, was in earnest consultation with Chan- 
cellor Turk. The Romish Diet had commanded him 
to release Hans von Schonitz from prison within three 
days, and see that he was protected from all harm. 

“We are lost,” bewailed the Cardinal, “this is 
something that I never even imagined; who was it 
174 


Called Upon for a Reckoning. 


that made the appeal to the Diet and had sufficient 
power to move them to this? Who dared bring charge 
against the Cardinal Prince, Primate of Germany?” 

“Who but Anton von Schonitz, who has been 
told all,” replied the Chancellor. 

“Give me your advice, Turk; tell me what I must 
do !” said the Cardinal, wringing his hands in distress. 

“Sentence him in spite of the Diet,” replied Turk, 
with iron calmness, “in no case must Schonitz be set 
at liberty. Leave all this to me.” 

“But who shall sentence him?” asked the Car- 
dinal, helplessly. 

“Who else but the Halle judge.” 

“He would never condemn and pass sentence upon 
Schonitz,” said Albrecht, starting back in consterna- 
tion. “I had not thought of that, but wait, the peas- 
ant judge shall sentence him.” 

“But the peasant judge has no right to speak and 
sentence here,” said Turk, obstinately. 

“Be silent; did I call you here to put stones in 
my path?” cried the Cardinal, angrily. “I will make 
the peasant judge have a right to sentence; Hans von 
Schonitz must die before the Kaiser hears of him.” 

The next day the warden of the castle went down 
to the dungeon of von Schonitz. “You are about to 
see the light of day, come with me,” he said. 

175 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


“Is it freedom!’ cried the prisoner, joyously; “oh, 
God, has my deliverance come at last?” 

“You have said it,” replied the warden, and giv- 
ing his two helpers a sign they tied his hands behind 
his back. 

“Why is this?” he asked, “this is not freedom.” 

“It means that the judge is to pass sentence upon 
you.” 

“Sentence, what for?” 

“Wait and you will see.” 

He was led up the winding steps, a long flight, 
for the dungeon was far under ground, and at last 
he saw the clear sunlight from which he longed to 
shield his eyes, but could not; his hands were bound. 

In the court yard was a great half circle of peas- 
ants; they had come at the command of the Cardinal 
to pass sentence upon him, and with them were several 
of the attaches of the palace. 

“You men, what would you do?” exclaimed 
Schonitz. “Would you destroy an innocent man?” 

“You are guilty,” cried a peasant, “you must 

die.” 

“You have said what is not true,” cried the con- 
demned man. “Let me speak, I have been too long 
silent;” but that was not allowed; but his lips moved 
in whispered prayer, “Oh, Christ, I am going the 
176 


Called Upon for a Reckoning. 


martyr’s way, as thou didst; receive my soul,” and 
then he whispered the Latin miserere. 

A quarter of an hour later the court yard was 
deserted by all but the warden, who stood by the dead 
man and prayed for the repose of his soul. 


u 



12 


177 


CHAPTER XVL 


MARTIN LUTHER^S LETTER TO THE CARDINAL. 

ARDINAL Albrecht was not in Halle on the 



day of the execution ; he had gone to Hal- 


berstadt, although not having any special 

business. 

On the fourth day he returned, and when he 
passed through Giebichenstein he heard that the work 
had been completed, and the mouth was forever closed 
that could, if allowed to dare open, have spoken that 
which would have brought ignominy upon the Cardi- 
nal’s hat and the crozier. 

As soon as he reached the city it was clear to him 
that it would not be a haven of rest and security, for 
he was met by the magistrate, who informed him in 
the name of his superior officers, that a complaint to 
the imperial chamber of deputies was threatened in the 
case of the execution of Hans von Schonitz. 

“Who threatens it?” asked the Cardinal in almost 
breathless anxiety. 

“The authorities, through Anton — the brother of 
Hans von Schonitz. He has gone through all his late 
brother’s papers, broke the seals which your Eminence 
commanded to be put upon them, has established his 
brother’s innocence, and will begin a process against 
the murderer.” 


178 


Martin Luther’s Letter to the Cardinal. 


What was the next move of the Cardinal in such 
an extremity? 

One sin is the mother of another. Anton von 
Schonitz must be sent into eternity to insure the re- 
linquishment of his design. He must follow his 
brother. 

From that hour Anton’s every step was watched. 
The next day he rode away to see the Count von 
Mansfeld in regard to the business which was occu- 
pying all his thoughts, and was followed by three ser- 
vants of the Cardinal, who halted at Wittenberg to 
wait for his return ; but he came back to Halle by an- 
other road, and they missed him. 

This came to Anton’s ears, and he was constantly 
on his guard, while not for a moment neglecting the 
work he had resolved should be accomplished ; that of 
proving the innocence of his poor brother who could 
not speak for himself. 

The Cardinal in the meantime was playing the 
part of injured innocence; he was trying to give the 
world the impression that as Hans von Schonitz had 
defrauded him of fifty-three thousand guldens, he 
must do what he could to recover it by attaching the 
dead man’s property. 

In burning indignation Anton appeared one day 
at the city hall and laid complaint before the authori- 
ties. The Cardinal had taken all his brother’s goods, 
179 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


movable and immovable; silverware, china, furniture, 
everything in the house, even down to the dolls of the 
little daughters of the house. 

“The papers will prove that my brother did not 
owe the Cardinal one penny, he said, “instead, the Car- 
dinal was deeply in debt to him. , If you are not will- 
ing to help me against the great man, I will get the 
assistance of one who has twice torn the mask from 
him, and will do it again. He will start a fire that 
will prove too hot for the cool Cardinal.” 

That same day Anton von Schonitz set out for 
Wittenberg, accompanied by three servants. There 
were dangers in going besides that of being waylaid 
by the Cardinals spies, for the plague was raging in 
Wittenberg, the students had all fled from the college 
to Jena, and the streets were deserted. His only dread 
was that Luther could not be found, and his journey 
would be without result. 

When he reached Wittenberg he went directly to 
the Augustinian monastery, and with a heart beating 
with anxiety, rapped upon the door; and in response 
Luthers wife appeared and greeted him kindly. 

“Is Doctor Martin Luther at home?” asked An- 
ton. 

“Yes, he is in his little room,” and she pointed out 
the way he was to take to, find him. 

He went along the dim narrow corridor until he 
180 


Martin Luther s Letter to the Cardinal. 


reached the door, rapped, and a hearty invitation to 
enter followed. He hesitated, his nervous feelings 
almost robbed him of strength. Luther was his only 
hope; could he dare ask the great man to take up his 
humble cause? 

He hesitated so long that Luther arose, opened the 
door and greeted him with a cordial shake of the hand, 
invited him in and gave him a seat near his own chair. 

“Now tell me who you are, and why you have 
come,” he said cheerfully. 

“My name is Anton von Schonitz.” 

Luther was immediately interested. “You are 
perhaps a relative of that unfortunate man who suf- 
fered death, of which my friend and associate, Ludwig 
Rabe, has told me.” 

“He was my loved brother, and I came to you. 
Doctor Martin Luther, to help me convict his mur- 
derer.” 

“Sit first, and rest a little while, you have had a 
long, weary ride, and the day is warm ; I will ask my 
Kathe to prepare you a cooling drink, and Luther left 
the room. 

In a few minutes he returned bearing it; Anton 
drank and was refreshed, and then tried to think where 
to commence his painful story. 

“Now let us hear about it; of course, your com- 
plaint is against Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg.” 

181 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


Tears rushed to Anton’s eyes, and his heart grew 
lighter. Luther knew ; Luther would understand ; the 
path before him seemed less dark and difficult ; he un- 
burdened his heart ; told every detail of the afifair from 
the beginning to the terrible end. 

“Your story agrees in every particular with that 
which reliable and influential friends have written to 
my associate,” remarked Luther when he had finished. 
“We will see to it.” 

Anton remained over night, and the next morning 
left for Halle, comforted by his sojourn with Luther 
and his good wife. 

It was but a few days when there went a leaflet 
through the world written by Luther and printed. 
That dauntless, fearless man had again called to ac- 
count the man whom no one else had dared to touch, 
although in secret heartily condemning him. In this 
letter fearful blows were laid upon the back of the 
Prince Primate of Germany, and the world read, and 
held its breath to see what would follow. It read : 

‘'High born Prince and Cardinal Albrecht: 

“May repentance and forgiveness for your sins 
be granted you ! 

“It behooves me to write and publish this letter, 
not with the hope that it will better you, but to give 
rest to my conscience. Ludwig Rabe, who is my asso- 
182 


Martin Luther's Letter to the Cardinal. 


date, has told me, as have others in whom I have the 
utmost confidence, of that terrible deed at Giebichen- 
stein. I knew that the whole city was talking of it, 
but I could scarcely believe that your Electoral Grace 
had hung your trusted friend and chamberlain, Hans 
von Schonitz, until my associate Ludwig Rabe re- 
ceived letters from Halle confirming it. I do not sit 
here to smite people’s mouths and punish lies, nor call 
people to account for speaking evil of you, and good 
of von Schonitz ; and for this I hope you will not hurry 
me off to the gallows as you did that poor, unfortunate 
man. So I will my thoughts and belief freely speak, 
and will assert that if your Eminence undertakes to 
send to the gallows all who speak against the infamous 
Cardinal Albrecht, there will not be found in Germany 
enough rope to hang them. 

“However, there are not many who could be so 
easily hung as was Hans von Schonitz, and if he had 
not been imprisoned and condemned in Halle, he 
would have remained unhung; and if Ludwig Rabe 
had been in Halle he would in all probability have had 
his mouth stopped as was that of Hans von Schonitz. 

“As there is knowledge of your iniquities all over 
the land, there is no need for me to call people’s re- 
membrance, the indulgence papers, the idols you set 
up in the Collegiate church for the purpose of extort- 
ing money from the ignorant; the assassination of 
183 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


George Winkler; and the immorality of which your 
Highness is guilty. 

“If Hans von Schonitz was a thief — which I do 
not believe — and was hung for it, then should Car- 
dinal Albrecht have been hung at least ten times for 
his roguery in robbing churches, monasteries, and cit- 
izens, thus bringing disgrace upon the archbishopric. 

“I have heard that you have sought to put the 
blame of Hans von Schonitz’ death upon his friends. I 
have known many infamous deeds of your Cardinal- 
ship, but have not supposed you such a malignant, 
shameless worm. I would also say that his taking off 
is not such a secret throughout Germany as it is in 
the chamber of your Highness, nor is it a secret that 
it was done without the knowledge of his friends ; not 
allowing the poor man an advocate. I will send his 
last cry through the world and prepare a shrine Tues- 
day for your Grace, such as you need. 

“Encourage me that you will not hang all your 
enemies, but let some live, that the right one may be 
found among them to be hangman for your Highness. 

“Doctor Martin Luther. 
“Wittenberg, July 31, 1535.” 

As if by invisible hands this letter flew over the 
world and the world read and believed, and held its 
breath to see what would happen. 

184 


Martin Luther^s Letter to the Cardinal. 


Cardinal Albrecht was beside himself with rage, 
and if Luther had come in his way he would with his 
own hand have fulfilled to the letter the request of 
Cardinal Cajetan at Augsburg. 

Chancellor Turk insisted that the blasphemer 
should feel the hand of the law ; but Albrecht could 
suggest nothing nor follow Turk’s suggestions ; he was 
stunned. 

“What will people say of your Eminence if you 
let the matter rest?” continued Turk. “Call your rel- 
atives of the house of Brandenburg; they would not 
let one of their immediate family suffer such a strain. 
Your house of Brandenburg may in turn call upon the 
Elector of Saxony to stop the blasphemer’s mouth.” 

“You are right,” replied Albrecht after a time. 
“I will apply to them ; they will be united in their in- 
dignation that a coarse, low-born peasant dare strike 
at a prince.” 

That evening two messengers left the palace, one 
bound for Berlin and the Elector of Bran den, tlie other 
for Konigsberg and the Prince of Brandenburg. 

The princes wrote immediately to the Elector 
of Saxony to put a check upon Luther and his let- 
ters, and he in turn wrote to Luther, and from Wit- 
tenberg — for Konigsberg — came the reply: “If no 
one else will take the matter in hand and punish the 
knave, then I must do it. The Cardinal has oppressed 
185 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


the poor and helpless; if you would trouble yourself 
to make him better, that would be of more use than 
worrying over my letters. It is not I, but the Car- 
dinal, who has brought shame upon your name. There 
is no family so good but it may have some degen- 
erate member. Get out an indictment against me if 
it will please you to do so ; I will make answer, and 
have already prepared a letter for publication more 
full and explicit than the one already before the 
world.’’ 

Upon receiving this the Brandenburg members 
wrote directly to Luther, soliciting him to withhold 
the letter. They wrote that the Cardinal has prob- 
ably made mistakes, but that all persons were liable 
to do this, and one should overlook them, or at least 
not be so severe.” 

To this Luther responded that if the relatives 
knew the Cardinal, they could not say or think much 
good of him ; instead would say, “Oh that he were 
not a Prince of Brandenburg!” “But I will do him 
no injustice,” he added, “but will consider what you 
say, that in all places may be found shattered vases, 
so for a time, at least, I will withhold my letter from 
the world.” 

At length one day a messenger sent by the Car- 
dinal appeared at the Augustiiyan monastery, asking 
Luther to accept the office of Judge of Arbitration. 

186 


Martin Luther's Letter to the Cardinal. 


“Yes/.’ said Luther to himself, “I see the strat- 
agem ; the Cardinal asks what he knows I cannot 
accept; I refuse and the office remains vacant; and 
he wrote : “Your Electoral Grace has sent to the 
wrong smith ; for as you know it is out of order for 
a complainant to be at the same time judge.” 

He was about to give the note to the messenger 
when another thought came to him. “I will add 
something more. I will care for the soul of my 
brother. I will, with God’s help, give him a call to 
repentance, an earnest, heartfelt call; then if he will 
not heed, my letter must take wing.” 

He added this call, with a prayer for a blessing 
upon it, to the letter; the messenger took it and de- 
parted. 

The Cardinal was lying weak and sick upon his 
bed when the messenger returned. In the stillness 
of the sick room a change had come over him, his 
pride was broken, and a tenderness came into his 
heart that brought tears to his eyes. He thought 
over the past, and his conscience spoke unreservedly 
in words. 

“I will meet him,” he whispered. “I will show 
him that his care for my soul has been appreciated. 
I will have the bones of the murdered man taken 
from the ground beneath the gallows and have them 
placed in the Cathedral Church. I cannot do any 
187 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


more ; but is not that enough ? Is it not enough if 
I honor him after death before all the world?” 

This conclusion cost the proud man suffering; 
but he arose from his bed comforted; he hoped by 
this that he had purchased the silence of Luther. 

But it was a failure. Luther knew nothing of 
the battle; he saw only the result, and judged it no 
true repentance, but only a half-hearted, weak pen- 
ance; and the letter that had been held back went 
out into the world. 

“That blood,” he wrote, “cries from earth to 
heaven. I am not his judge, I am only the message- 
bearer of the judge. It is not my place to arraign 
him as a robber and a murderer; the judge of all 
the world will do this. To a reckoning of the ac- 
counts in response to the pleadings of his chamber- 
lain he would not, but he could hang him. Ah ! it is 
better to die upon a gallows, than sink into the depths 
of perdition. 

“A great and prayerful man is the Cardinal ! 
Let him have a hundred thousand jurists, be they 
justice promoters or justice perverters, yet will God 
ask for the other man. Where is the other man? 
He was hanged upon the gallows. Great God, who 
had him hung? The Cardinal Albrecht. Why? Be- 
cause his electoral goodness wished to be alone in 
telling the story ; the chamberlain must be silent. 

188 


Martin Luther s Letter to the Cardinal. 


What does God say to this? Will people believe 
when they hear but one speak; will they not wish to 
hear from the other man? 

'‘But God has so circumvented the craft and 
cunning that the mouth of the living Cardinal is 
stopped and the mouth of the dead Hans von Scho- 
nitz opened to proclaim the right, and Abel’s blood 
cries from the ground against his murderer. Over 
the Pope’s people, over the whole Church the Car- 
dinal wishes to reign. But he scorns God’s Word; he 
would blot it out. 

“O, that he would crave God’s mercy! O, that 
he w^ould not disdain His boundless love, and his con- 
science turn him to true repentance! Then would 
these stern, hard letters be turned to cheer and re- 
joicing. 

“But if he will not hear, yet I have in Christian 
love and duty, done what I could to serve the dead 
Hans von Schonitz. 

“Would I give the Cardinal one piece of advice 
it would be, ‘First be reconciled to thy brother,’ by 
going to the wife and the aged mother of von Scho- 
nitz, humble yourself to ask their forgiveness, then 
restore to them that of which you have robbed them, 
and out of their wounded hearts they will pity and 
forgive. 


189 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


“Such is the advice that Christ gives to us all, 
and His words will remain when all else passes away. 

“We all have — God be merciful to us — plenty 
of sins to answer for, but we should ask forgiveness 
for them instead of trying to cover and conceal them.” 

The letter went forth and the world read, as did 
the Cardinal. It was the last warning call sent by 
God, but his heart remained hard. 



190 


CHAPTER XVn. 


FAREWELL TO HALLE. 

GAIN was the treasury of Cardinal Albrecht 



empty; again was his need at the highest, and 


I V he could think of no other way to replenish 
it except to apply to the land office for a new tax. 

Chancellor Turk undertook the task of asking 
for it, and to his surprise the officers were willing to 
grant it. Five hundred thousand guldens would be 
required, of which twenty-two thousand was to be laid 
upon the city of Halle. 

In March of the year 1541 the City Council was 
called together, and the syndic — Doctor Gossman — 
imparted to them the ordering of the land office. 

There were murmurs of dissatisfaction among 
the members, and they asked that time might be given 
to consider the matter. 

Dr. Gossman insisted that as the land office had 
granted the request of the Cardinal there was noth- 
ing required of the citizens but to act promptly in 
agreeing to it, but his opinion was overruled by the 
citizens, who appointed a committee of eight men, who 
in the name of the community were empowered to 
negotiate with the alderman. 

‘'Now, men,’' said Wolf Steinbach, a highly re- 


191 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


spected citizen, ‘^the time has come for which we have 
all longed, to make a strong move for the pure gospel. 
Let us unite and stand firm in the refusal of the tax 
unless we have the promise of the alderman for an 
evangelical preacher and an evangelical schoolmaster. 
Listen to me, brothers; 1 am an old man and I have 
watched from the beginning the battle between the 
great Prince Primate of Germany and the prophet of 
the High God. It has been a great conflict, and many 
hard blows have been struck. The Cardinal was at 
first scornful ; he despised the barefooted monk. Pie 
relied upon his sword ; he thought that the most 
powerful prince in the German kingdom could not be 
vanquished, but he has found that the Word is all 
powerful ; it can vanquish all before it, even swords 
and crowns. Step by step has the monk, through the 
power of that Word, conquered the prince. Through- 
out Germany and over its borders has the pure gospel 
gone abroad and reached the people. City after city, 
village after village has the Cardinal lost of his great 
diocese, especially since he committed that infamous 
deed of hanging Hans von Schonitz, and his troubled 
conscience had prompted him to commit many foolish 
deeds. Luther has broken his sword, but he will 
battle with it in his pride to keep his one piece of soil 
under his feet, that of Halle, his native city. He has 
with stern front refused again and again to us what 
192 


Farewell to Halle. 


he has been compelled to give to other cities — our 
right to hear the pure gospel, and since the death 
of that blessed martyr, George Winkler, we have been 
compelled to act the hypocrite in our devotions. Now 
the time has come to force him to give us what we 
should have had long ago. We will refuse to allow 
the tax put upon us until our request is fulfilled. It 
is much against us that the alderman and the presi- 
dent of the City Council are both creatures of the 
Cardinal, and will either resist us strongly, or will 
try to decive us by craft and stratagem. But if we 
citizens will stand fast we will win the day; we will 
have our preacher of the true gospel, and our evan- 
gelical school master. Who agrees with me in this 
will speak.” 

The response was unanimous, and this decision 
being reached, the committee went, accompanied by 
a deputation of citizens to the City Hall to inform 
the alderman of their intention. 

They waited a full hour to be summoned, and 
had began to fear that it was a failure when Dr. 
Gossman appeared. 

“You have asked for an evangelical preacher, 
and an evangelical schoolmaster,” he said, in his 
usual bland manner. “This is a request which hon- 
ors God, and therefore is one that should be granted. 
Our reverend alderman will himself aid you in this, 
*13 193 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


for he knows a preacher of the new faith a learned 
and pious man, and he also knows a schoolmaster who 
stands fast and firm to the new belief. But as an 
alderman and an honorable man he cannot transact 
such important business without the knowledge of 
the Cardinctl, who is now at a meeting of the Diet 
at Regensburg; but he will immediately send a mes- 
senger there to inform him of our decision.” 

”No, not for a moment will we submit to this !” 
exclaimed Wolf Steinbach, stoutly. ‘‘Ever since the 
death of the lamented Winkler we have asked him 
for a preacher of the pure gospel and nothing came 
of it, and our people have been deprived of the com- 
fort of their own belief.” 

The councilmen consulted together in a low tone, 
then the syndic informed the committee that as they 
— the alderman and the City Council — ran the risk 
of offending the land office by complying with their 
request, yet it would be granted, providing the citi- 
zens agreed to stand by them. 

To this the citizens readily agreed, and the Coun- 
cil chose Dr. John Pfeffinger of Leipsic as their 
preacher, and the committee and deputation of citi- 
zens left the building. 

There was great rejoicing among the com- 
munity that there had at last been made a promise 
that bade fair to be kept; also surprise that the con- 
194 


Farewell to Halle. 


quest had been so easy; but Wolf Steinbach shook 
his head ; he was distrustful of this ready acquiescence ; 
he believed there was treachery back of it. 

“I believe that they will send secretly and tell 
the Cardinal the whole affair/’ he said; “if so we 
must keep our eyes open, or the second evangelical 
preacher will meet the same fate as that of the first. 
Since Winkler’s assassination, and the hanging of 
von Schonitz I have no faith in the Cardinal.” 

“But he is far away,” remarked one of the com- 
mittee, confidently. 

“Very well, sleep if you will, but I will watch,” 
replied Steinbach. 

The next Sunday, very early, a carriage passed 
out of the city gate of Halle, and in it were two mem- 
bers of the City Council and two of the committee. 
They were on their way to Leipsic to hear Dr. 
Pfeffinger from his pulpit, and give him a call to the 
congregation of Halle. 

Before the carriage, rode a postillion on a swift 
horse, and they had not gone far upon their journey 
when he came back to the carriage to tell the occu- 
pants that through a thicket he was passing, he saw 
the gleam of weapons; he pressed nearer and found 
there twelve of the men of Giebichenstein headed by 
the bailiff, and all had immediately disappeared in 
the forest. 


195 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


“Treachery !" said one and all of the embassa- 
dors ; “the alderman and the President of the Coun- 
cil have deceived us ; these men were on their way to 
tell the Cardinal the whole affair. They have been 
detected and will return to report, and we will have 
no further trouble with them.” 

It was several days before the embassadors re- 
turned to Halle. They were anxiously watched for 
by the citizens, and at length they appeared and 
went directly to the City Hall to report. 

“Doctor John Pfeffinger is a fine preacher,” they 
said, “all that could be desired, but he is so popular 
in Leipsig that the people are not willing to part 
from him. Moreover he is of timid nature, and 
thinks that Halle is a different charge, as there is 
so much opposition here. He thinks that we should 
select a man who can adapt himself to such circum- 
stances and not be cowed by adverse criticism.” 

The alderman listened in silence to what was 
not in any way news to him ; then spoke in very 
compassionate sympathy for their great disappoint- 
ment, and regretting exceedingly that their journey 
had been in vain. 

The embassadors kept their own council so far 
as the alderman was concerned, but from mouth to 
mouth it passed among the citizens that after the 
refusal of Dr. Pfeffinger they had left Leipsic and 
196 


Farewell to Halle. 


gone on to Wittenberg to hold a consultation wi^h 
Dr. Martin Luther in regard to a preacher. 

He had received them with delight, and listened 
eagerly to their request. 

“Yes/’ he said gleefully, “you shall have a 
preacher who can speak as an angel, but can also bite 
like a lion. He has a heart of courage, and the Car- 
dinal’s blame or praise will be nothing to him. He 
is. one of my prized co-workers here in Wittenberg, 
but I bring you the olfering willingly, and for Halle 
with joy, for it is exactly there that such a man 
is needed. You can return to your people assured 
that you will have a preacher, and in God’s name I 
will send you my loved friend and associate. Dr. 
Justus Jonas.” 

This joyful news sent many of the people of 
Halle to their knees to thank God for his mercies. 
At last, at last, in His own good time, the sun was to 
shine for them, the sun of the pure gospel. 

As soon as the Imperial Diet in Regensburg was 
over. Cardinal Albrecht returned to Halle. It was 
late on Saturday night when he reached the palace^ 
and he went directly to his room weary from traveling, 
and discouraged. He was glad it was late when he 
arrived in the city; he did not wish to meet anyone 
and receive their hypocritical greetings. 

He arose late on Sunday and went to the win- 
197 


Prince Albrecht of Brandenburg. 


dows of his sleeping apartment, which being on the 
south side of the palace gave a view of the Cathedral 
Church. 

‘'Holy mother!” he exclaimed, starting back in 
affright, "where is the tower of my beautiful Church ?” 

He rang the bell and a valet appeared. "Tell 
me,” he cried, excitedly, "where is the tower?’ 

“The ground sunk and the tower fell; the work- 
men carried the most of it away.” 

"Leave me I” sighed the Cardinal faintly, and 
sinking upon a settle he covered his face with his 
hands and groaned in the bitterness of his soul. 

"Oh God !” he moaned, "the tower which I looked 
upon as the emblem of the power of the old belief and 
a prophecy of victory over the heretics, has fallen ; 
it has sunk ; so sinks my last hope.” 

For a long time he sat there lost in bitter reflec- 
tion, then arose and with tears in his eyes looked 
again from the window, but in a moment turned 
away and rang again for the valet. 

"What is going on in the city ?” he asked. "Why 
are crowds of people hurrying toward the market 
place?” 

"Justus Jonas preaches there the pure gospel to 
the people.” 

"Go out of my sight, you knave; have you noth- 
198 


Farewell to Halle. 


ing but evil news for me?” stormed Albrecht, as he 
turned from the sight. 

The man left the room and the unhappy Cardinal 
walked to and fro, a battle raging in his heart. For 
the third time he went to the window and crossed his 
arms upon his breast. *' Farewell Halle, you will see 
my face no more. The old belief is rung oui, the 
new is rung in. Augustinian thou art victor!” 

THE END. 



lOf 










CJ)e ^Reformation S>eries 


T his series, of which our story, “Prince Albrecht of Branden- 
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dance with the Word of God. The purpose of this collection is 
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the preciousriess of our faith. 

l^OL I* i&SfeC of t^C Jfoftl)* Four Stories of the times of 

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our Lutheran fathers in the early days of the Reformation were exposed. The following 
are the titles of the four stories: 

1. A Good and Faithful Servant (1521). Relating the martyrdom of 
Henry von Zuetphen, the preacher of the “ new faith.” 

2. Fear Not, for I am With Thee (1524) Relating the history of Berth- 
hold von Amsteg, his faithful labors for the Lutheran cause, his expulsion and 
final victory. 

3. Love Never Faileth (1552). A touching story from the life of James 
Graswinkel of Delft. 

4. Enduring Unto the End (1558). Giving in beautiful spirit the hard- 
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IT <Su)3tabu0 aiioipbue in <Sermanp* 

Few Volumes of Juvenile Writings have received as cordial a 
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Thirty Years’ War under the leadership of the heroe-martyr of 
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Price in Good Cloth Cover 40c. Postage 5c. 



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